19 Jan 2011

Pathan powers India to thrilling win

12:26 pm on 19 January 2011

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.

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, striking 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 3-26 and fellow paceman Dale Steyn claimed 2-31 but could not stop India from getting home with 10 balls to spare.

Harbhajan Singh hit two sixes in a crucial 23 not out.

On an untypical Newlands pitch, South Africa struggled to 220 all out with newcomer Francois 'Faf' du Plessis and JP Duminy putting on 110 as they rescued a floundering innings.