India Clinch ODI Series 2-1 with Dominant Nine-Wicket Victory in Visakhapatnam

India Clinch ODI Series 2-1 with Dominant Nine-Wicket Victory in Visakhapatnam

India sealed a thrilling 2-1 series victory over South Africa in the One-Day International series after a commanding nine-wicket win in the decisive third ODI. The match was defined by a magnificent maiden ODI century from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and a disciplined eight-wicket haul shared between paceman Prasidh Krishna and spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Jaiswal’s Milestone Century Seals the Chase

Chasing a target of 271, the Indian top-order made light work of the Proteas’ total, overhauling it with a massive 10.1 overs to spare.

• Yashasvi Jaiswal was the star, scoring an unbeaten 116 off 121 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes). This was his first-ever ODI century and an innings of immense composure.

• The century marked a historic milestone for Jaiswal, as he became only the sixth Indian batter to score centuries in all three formats of men’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is), joining the elite company of Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill.

• The chase was set up by a solid 155-run opening partnership between Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, who played a quick-fire knock of 75 off 73 balls. Rohit, in the process, also crossed the milestone of 20,000 international runs.

• Following Rohit’s dismissal, Virat Kohli continued his sublime form, striking a brisk, unbeaten 65 off 45 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes) to ensure the comprehensive victory, hitting the winning boundary.

Kuldeep and Krishna Star with Four-Wicket Hauls

Earlier in the day, the Indian bowling attack, led by the spin and pace combination of Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna, restricted South Africa to 270 all out in 47.5 overs.⁸

• South Africa’s innings was built around an aggressive century from veteran wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock, who smashed 106 off just 89 deliveries (8 fours, 6 sixes). Captain Temba Bavuma also contributed with a solid 48.

• However, the Proteas suffered a dramatic middle and lower-order collapse, losing their last eight wickets for just 102 runs.

• Prasidh Krishna (4/66) spearheaded the collapse, bouncing back from an expensive first spell to pick up crucial wickets, including a double-strike in the 29th over and dismissing centurion De Kock.

• Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4/41) then ran through the lower order with a superb 10-over spell, cleaning up the tail and limiting the total, claiming his 11th four-wicket haul in ODIs.

India’s dominant performance with both ball and bat proved too strong for the visitors in the series decider, securing a confidence-boosting series win as the teams now look ahead to the five-match T20 International series.