CAPE TOWN – A burst of powerful hitting by Yusuf Pathan spurred India to a thrilling two-wicket win in the third one-day international against South Africa at Newlands on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 221, India were struggling at 93 for five before Pathan launched a savage assault against South African off-spinners Johan Botha and JP Duminy. On a pitch where most batsmen found it difficult to play positive strokes, Pathan, making his first appearance in the series, struck 59 off 50 balls as India took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Pathan and Suresh Raina (37) put on 75 for the sixth wicket but both were out in quick succession to set up a tense finish.
Fast bowler Morne Morkel took three for 26 and fellow paceman Dale Steyn claimed two for 31 but could not stop India from getting home with ten balls to spare. Harbhajan Singh made a crucial 23 not out, including two sixes. “If I get the ball in my area, I go for it,” said Pathan. Indian captain Mahendra Songh Dhoni said he encouraged the young players in his team to play their natural game.
“We want Yusuf to play the game he plays,” said Dhoni. “As he gets more experience he will turn into a match-finishing batsman.” Proteas captain Graeme Smith said the quality of the pitch had not helped either side’s batting.
“We were 20 runs short,” said Smith. “Yusuf Pathan’s knock was the difference. The pitch was very two-paced and also up and down. It was not the best one-day wicket I have ever played on but it made for an exciting game.” The match changed dramatically in the 28th over of the Indian innings when Pathan, on six, edged Botha for a four between wicketkeeper AB de Villiers and Smith at slip.
