VISAKHAPATNAM, India — India secured a commanding nine-wicket victory against South Africa in the decisive third ODI on Saturday, clinching the series 2-1 behind Yashasvi Jaiswal’s spectacular maiden international century. The dominant performance came just days after India’s disappointing 2-0 loss in the test series against the same opponents.
South Africa, having won the toss and elected to bat, posted 270 all out in 47.5 overs largely thanks to Quinton de Kock’s impressive 106 from 89 deliveries—his 23rd ODI century and seventh against India. Captain Temba Bavuma contributed 48 runs, while Matthew Breetzke added 24 before the Proteas’ innings unraveled.
The turning point came through medium-pacer Prasidh Krishna, who delivered a remarkable spell of 3-9 after initially struggling in the series. Krishna’s breakthrough included the crucial wickets of Breetzke, Aiden Markram (1), and eventually de Kock, who had been threatening a much larger total. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav complemented this effort by cleaning up the tail with figures of 4-41.
India’s chase proved exceptionally clinical as openers Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma established a formidable 155-run partnership from just 155 balls. Sharma departed for 75 off 73 deliveries after misjudging a sweep against spinner Keshav Maharaj, but the damage had already been done.
Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 116, displaying remarkable composure throughout his innings, while Virat Kohli provided a explosive finish with 65 not out from just 45 balls—his 128th ODI half-century. The pair guided India to victory with 10.1 overs to spare, showcasing the team’s batting depth and strategic maturity.
Kohli was awarded Player of the Series for accumulating 302 runs across the three matches, stating afterward: ‘Just playing the way I have this series has been the most satisfying for me. Feel really free in my mind, whole game is coming together nicely.’
The teams will now transition to a five-match Twenty20 series beginning Tuesday in Cuttack.