Sanju Samson hit a fine century as India defeated South Africa by 78 runs in the third ODI to clinch the three-match series 2-1 in Paarl on Thursday. Sent into bat, India lost openers early before Samson (108), which was his maiden ODI hundred, and Tilak Varma (52) made useful contributions to take 296 for eight. Chasing 297, opener Tony de Zorzi made 81 but none of the other Proteas batter could support him as the hosts were bowled for 218 in 45.5 overs.