Superb Morkel inspires Proteas to 18-run win over India in third ODI

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South Africa produced a terrific turnaround to claim an 18-run win over India in the third ODI, thanks to Morne Morkel's superb spell and Quinton de Kock's ton at Rajkot on Sunday.

Although the tourists struggled against the Indian bowlers, De Kock (103) and Faf du Plessis (60) helped their side post a respectable target of 271 after electing to bat first.

Despite losing Shikhar Dhawan (13) early, India looked well poised for a victory after both Rohit Sharma (65) and Virat Kohli (77) had scored half-centuries.

However, South Africa executed their plan of bowling short deliveries efficiently and cleverly placed their fielders to restrict India to 252-6 in their allotted 50 overs.

Morkel, who was adjudged as the Player of the Match, claimed four wickets, including India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (47) and seized the momentum when he dismissed Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane (four) on consecutive deliveries in his final over.

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina continued to struggle with his batting woes as he was dismissed for his second consecutive duck on a JP Duminy's delivery.

With the win, South Africa have taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series and will aim to seal the ODI series in Chennai on Thursday.