Chasing a moderate target of 221 runs, India defeated South Africa in the third ODI on Tuesday at Cape Town in a thrilling and scintillating finish establishing a 2-1 lead in the 5 match series. Powerful batting by Yusuf Pathan catapulted India to a 2 wicket victory over the hosts.

On the New Lands pitch where most batsmen could not dare to play positive strokes, Pathan, making his first appearance in the series, stuck an exuberant 59 off 50 balls pushing India towards a surprising victory.

Pathan and Suresh Raina posted 75 runs for the sixth wicket partnership but were out in quick succession to bring excitement to the match in the finish. Pathan hit three sixes off four balls from Botha, all sailing over a fielder at deep mid-wicket.