At Baroda, March 17. India won by four wickets. Toss: South Africa.

India secured the one-day series in a finish far more tense than looked likely during their opening stand of 153 in 25 overs. Ganguly made a riotous 87 with 12 fours and two sixes, and Tendulkar, almost back to his best, cut loose on Ganguly's departure to bring India's target down to 27 from 29 balls when he was third out for 122, his 25th one-day international hundred. Pollock's two wickets in the penultimate over upped the ante but South African nerve failed first, Klusener dropping Robin Singh at mid-on with four runs needed and three balls remaining. Cronje's decision to bat first on an easy pitch had gone against him. Kirsten and Gibbs again got South Africa going, taking 43 from Srinath's first five overs, and Kallis atoned for Kirsten's run-out by remaining unbeaten for 81. His quickfire stands with Benkenstein and Klusener propelled his side to a formidable total. India's captains present and past wasted no time putting it into perspective.

Man of the Match: S. R. Tendulkar.

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