India wrapped up the three-match ODI series against South Africa in emphatic fashion, securing a nine-wicket victory in the decider at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. Chasing a target of 270, the hosts cruised to 271/1 in just 39.5 overs, sealing the series 2–1.
South Africa began brightly, reaching 62/0 in the second powerplay, but faltered in the later stages, managing only 26 runs in the final 10 overs. Their innings closed at 270 in 47.5 overs, leaving India with a manageable chase.
India’s reply was clinical from the outset. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a solid platform, with Rohit reaching a personal milestone of 20,000 international runs before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj. Jaiswal continued his aggressive stroke play, peppering the boundary with crisp drives and pulls.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 116 runs in the 3rd ODI against South Africa, marking his maiden ODI century. This innings not only showcased Jaiswal’s aggressive stroke play but also his composure in a high-pressure decider. His century was pivotal in India clinching the series 2–1.
The star of the series, however, was Virat Kohli. Having already scored centuries in the first two matches, Kohli capped off his stellar run with an unbeaten 65. His innings were marked by authoritative cover drives and a towering six, epitomising his dominance. Kohli fittingly sealed the match with a boundary through the covers, underlining his match-winning presence.
This victory not only highlighted India’s batting depth but also reinforced their ability to chase under pressure. For South Africa, the collapse in the death overs remains a concern, as they failed to capitalise on a promising start.
In a thrilling conclusion to the three-match ODI series, India triumphed over South Africa with a commanding 9-wicket victory in the decider at Vizag, clinching the series 2-1.
Chasing a target of 271, the hosts reached the mark in just 39.5 overs, showcasing their batting prowess and depth ahead of future global tournaments.
The match began with South Africa posting a competitive 270 all out, thanks largely to opener Quinton de Kock’s gritty century of 106 runs. However, India’s bowling attack, led by the spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Prasidh Krishna, turned the tide. Both claimed four wickets each, dismantling the Proteas’ middle order and restricting them to a chaseable total despite de Kock’s heroics.
India’s response was nothing short of spectacular. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the show with his maiden ODI century, an unbeaten 116 off 121 balls, anchoring the innings with maturity beyond his years. Captain Rohit Sharma provided the fireworks early on, smashing 75 runs to set a solid foundation. But it was Virat Kohli who applied the finishing touches, remaining unbeaten on 65 from 45 deliveries. Kohli’s knock included powerful sixes and elegant boundaries, marking his third consecutive 50-plus score in the series following two centuries in the previous games.
This performance reaffirms Kohli’s return to top form in white-ball cricket, especially as India gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The series win also highlights the team’s balanced squad, blending experience with emerging talent like Jaiswal, who has quickly become a fan favourite.
South Africa, despite the loss, showed glimpses of resilience. De Kock’s ton was a highlight, but the team struggled with consistency in batting and bowling.
With this victory, India continues its strong home record in ODIs, sending a clear message to rivals worldwide. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the team’s next challenge as they build momentum for the upcoming bilateral series and major ICC events.
