VISAKHAPATNAM — India wrapped up the ODI series in emphatic fashion, defeating South Africa by 9 wickets in the decisive third ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Chasing 270, the hosts motored to 271/1 in just 39.5 overs, sealing the three-match series 2-1 with a display of authority that left little room for doubt.
South Africa, after being put in to bat by KL Rahul, posted 270 in 47.5 overs — a competitive total considering the pitch, but far from enough against India’s clinical top order. Quinton de Kock’s fluent half-century and timely contributions from the middle order gave the visitors a platform, but India’s bowlers kept striking at key moments to prevent the innings from exploding.
In response, India’s chase was a masterclass in measured aggression. Virat Kohli, anchoring with ease, smashed a sparkling 65 off 45 balls* (6 fours, 3 sixes, SR 144.44), while Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his red-hot form with a composed 116 off 121 balls, cracking 12 fours and 2 sixes. Their unbroken 116-run stand off just 84 deliveries closed out the game with style and precision.
Earlier in the innings, Rohit Sharma’s 75 off 73 balls had set the perfect tempo. His dismissal — caught by Breetzke off Maharaj at 155/1 in 25.5 overs — was the only breakthrough South Africa managed all evening. From there on, Kohli and Jaiswal took complete control, accelerating without any risk and punishing loose bowling.
South Africa’s attack struggled throughout the innings. Lungi Ngidi (6.5-0-56-0) and Ottneil Baartman (7-0-60-0) went wicketless, unable to make any dent in India’s rhythm. With dew setting in and the pitch easing further under lights, the Proteas were left defending a total that looked increasingly inadequate.
The final phase told the full story — 92 runs in the last 10 overs without losing a wicket, illustrating India’s dominance and South Africa’s helplessness as the chase slipped away.
The toss played its part too. KL Rahul, winning it for India, opted to bowl — a decision that struck the right balance on a surface expected to ease out in the evening. His call proved decisive.
With this triumph, India not only sealed the series but also carried a surge of momentum into the upcoming T20Is, while South Africa will look to regroup after letting the final ODI slip despite moments of promise.
It was, in every sense, a commanding victory — one built on discipline with the ball and perfection with the bat, marking a fitting end to the ODI leg of the tour.
