Yuvraj Singh’s scintillating unbeaten 61 helped India edge out South Africa by six wickets in a see-saw thriller to win the three-match series 2-1 at Stormont.
After more than five hours were lost because of rain and wet outfield, the series decider was truncated to a 31-over-a-side affair. Put into bat, South Africa faced early crisis and was gasping for breath at 28 for four when twin half centuries by Justin Kemp (61) and Herschelle Gibbs (56) propped up the Protea innings and helped the side reach 148 for seven.
For India, comeback man Ajit Agarkar, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar claimed a brace each.
Chasing 149 for a win, India too had a disastrous start and the side was reeling at 36 for three when Rahul Dravid (36) and Yuvraj joined hands to steady the rocking boat. They stitched together a 72-run partnership before Dravid was run out.
Fortunately for India, Yuvraj found an able partner in MS Dhoni, who was not out on 14, and the duo ensured there was no further hiccup as they guided the side to victory.
Dravid was naturally ecstatic and the Indian captain heaped praise on Yuvraj, the architect of India’s win.
Dravid said
Yuvraj’s been exceptional. He’s been a fantastic finisher for us. It’s not an easy job to do under pressure and he does it really well.
He’s got the power, he’s got the skill and he’s matching that power and skill with temperament, mental strength and brains. That’s a deadly combination. He is up there among the best one-day players in the world without a doubt.
Yuvraj’s sparkling knock earned him the Man of the Match award, while Sachin Tendulkar was adjudged Man of the Series. In a warm gesture, Tendulkar later decided to share the award with Yuvraj.
