'Sanju Samson steps up when everyone struggles': Internet erupts as India batter scores maiden 100

Sanju Samson has been a polarising figure in Indian cricket for several years. While some have maintained that he has got less chances while others have dismissed him due his consistency in Team India colours. Sanju was criticised after the second India vs South Africa ODI as he got out for just 12 runs. However, Sanju Samson redeemed himself and shut down his critics as he scored a brilliant hundred under pressure in the IND vs SA 3rd ODI in Paarl. 

3 things you need to know

• South Africa won the toss and elected to field first
• The 3-match series is tied 1-1
• Sanju Samson scored a fifty under pressure to rescue India

ALSO READ | India vs South Africa 3rd ODI Live Score And Updates

IND vs SA: Sanju Samson shuts down his critics

Samson took 66 balls to reach his fifty with four boundaries and no sixes. Samson has looked calm and composed during his innings after coming in to bat after Rajat Patidar's wicket. Fans hoped Sanju would take it forward and score his maiden international century. And he did just that as he reached his first century for India in 110 balls. Fans were elated by Samson's performance in the ODI as they lauded the Kerala batter for his performance. 

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India vs South Africa: Aiden Markram wins the toss and SA elect to bowl first

Aiden Markram won a third consecutive toss and South Africa opted to bowl first against India in the deciding last match of their one-day international series on Thursday.

India won the first ODI in Johannesburg by eight wickets and South Africa drew level by the same margin in Gqeberha on Tuesday.

India has made two changes. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was nursing a finger injury so 30-year-old batter Rajat Patidar will make his ODI debut. Either Patidar or Sanju Samson will open the innings with Sai Sudharsan, who made his debut in Johannesburg.

Off-spin allrounder Washington Sundar has replaced rested wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. South Africa was unchanged. The pitch at Boland Park was expected to assist spinners as the game progressed. The preceding T20 series was drawn 1-1 with one game washed out. The two-test series begins in Centurion on Dec. 26.

IND vs SA  Playing XI:

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Beuran Hendricks.

India: Sanju Samson, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (captain), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.