Cape Town: 43 off 27 balls, a wicket with the ball and a Man of the Match award for his all-round show. Suresh Raina played a pivotal role as India beat South Africa by seven runs in the third and final Twenty20 in Cape Town to clinch the three-match series on Saturday.
The Indian all-rounder, who was recalled to India’s squad, proved his worth as Kohli-less India held their nerve in the series-decider at the Newlands.
Raina, who time and again said that Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri gave him a freehand and ask to play his natural aggressive game, showed the much-talked about intent to set the tone after India had lost Rohit Sharma early.
Such was his mood, that he hit the first ball he faced for a six and stitched a 65-run partnership with Shikhar Dhawan.
While Raina went bonkers on the field, Twitter too could not keep calm as the left-hander impressed one and all.
Commendable effort by #TeamIndia to end the tour on a high. Congratulations on winning the T20Is 2-1!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 25, 2018
Special shout-out to @ImRaina for winning Man of the Match. pic.twitter.com/WqdXGLAvQJ
Many congratulations to the Indian team on winning the T20 series. Superb win in both the limited over series. Well done @ImRaina on a good comeback series. #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/s7zCGdNpRv
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 24, 2018
Man Of The Match - Suresh Raina 43 (27). What A Comeback. While Others Were Doubting And Questioning His Selection, The Man Has Shut Down Haters' Mouth By His Performance. ðŸ'ªðŸ™ðŸ‡®ðŸ‡³ #INDvSA #INDvsSA #SAvIND #SureshRaina #CSK pic.twitter.com/eCNxnPfDoz
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) February 24, 2018
Back after an year, @ImRaina wins Man-of-the-Match in the series decider. Make that spot your own now for a long time!
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) February 24, 2018
You are an inspiration!!! So happy to see you back and at your best 🤠@ImRaina more power to you 👊🻠https://t.co/DERJxn4R6S
— Vanitha VR (@ImVanithaVR) February 25, 2018
Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal also congratulated Raina after the Indian posted a tweet after India's win.
What a comeback by #TeamIndia! Batting and bowling efforts have been par excellence!
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) February 24, 2018
Great effort to end the tour on a winning note...Special feeling to be back in blue! 🤙 pic.twitter.com/mWNqJsiPwK
what a come back...congratulations very well played.good to see you back in team congrats on winning one day & t20 series.good luck.
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) February 24, 2018
