Pathan powers India to thrilling win

Tourists lead ODI series against South Africa 2-1.

CAPE TOWN: A burst of powerful hitting by Yusuf Pathan spurred India to a two-wicket win in the third One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa.   Chasing a target of 221, India were struggling at 93 for five before Pathan launched an 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 struck 59 off 50 balls as India took a 2-1 lead in the 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.

Morne Morkel took three for 26 and Dale Steyn claimed two for 31 but could not stop India from getting home with 10 balls to spare. Harbhajan Singh also made a crucial 23 not out, including two sixes. “If I get the ball in my area, I definitely go for it,” said Pathan.

Indian captain MS Dhoni said he encouraged the young players in his team to play their natural game. “We want Pathan to play the game he plays,” said Dhoni. “As he gets more experience he will turn into a match-finishing batsman.”

Earlier, South Africa struggled to 220 all out with Francois du Plessis and JP Duminy putting on 110 as they rescued a floundering innings. Proteas captain Graeme Smith said the quality of the pitch had not helped either side’s batting. “We were 20 runs short,” said Smith. “Pathan’s knock was the difference. The pitch was very two-paced and also up and down.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th,  2011.