Rossouw’s Maiden Hundred Gives South Africa Consolation Win

South African players celebrate after wining third T20 cricket match against India, in Indore, India, Tuesday, Oct.4, 2022. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

INDORE, India (AP) — Rilee Rossouw scored his maiden hundred as South Africa beat India by 49 runs in the third and final T20 international on Tuesday.

Rossouw scored 100 not out off 48 balls as the Proteas piled up 227-3 before India folded up for 178 in response. India still took the three-match series 2-1.

Quinton de Kock scored 68 off 43 balls after Temba Bavuma (3) fell cheaply once again and he and Rossouw put on 90 off 48 balls for the second wicket.

Rossouw used the short boundaries to good effect, hitting seven fours and eight sixes.

After de Kock was run out, Rossouw added 87 runs with Tristan Stubbs (23) off 43 deliveries.

“Tonight was my night,” Rossouw said. “We believe in our abilities. I am glad with myself and de Kock scoring the runs tonight.”

David Miller smacked 19 not out off five balls, including three sixes as South Africa finished with its highest T20 score in India.

India’s chase didn’t take off at all. Rohit Sharma was out bowled for nought while Rishabh Pant, as makeshift opener, scored 27 off 14 balls.

Dinesh Karthik provided the spark with 46 off 21 balls, including four fours and four sixes, but India was reduced to 86-5 in eight overs. South African bowler Dwaine Pretorious finished with 3-26.

India had won the first T20 in Thiruvananthapuram by eight wickets and the second game in Guwahati by 16 runs.

It was India’s first T20 series win against South Africa at home.

“We played against two quality sides and we overcame tough challenges,” Sharma said. “Our bowling is a concern and we need to find a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. It is a work in progress and we need to keep finding answers for the World Cup.”

South Africa will stay on for a three-match ODI series starting Thursday in Lucknow.

India’s primary squad will fly out to Australia on Wednesday, while a second-string side will feature in the ODI series.