India vs South Africa: The ODI series between India and South Africa concluded with a dominant performance from the hosts, who outplayed the visitors in all three departments to claim a memorable 2–1 series victory. The third and final ODI at Visakhapatnam showcased a perfect blend of youthful promise and seasoned mastery. Yashasvi Jaiswal slammed his maiden ODI century, Rohit Sharma provided explosive early momentum, and Virat Kohli produced another chasing masterclass with a rapid fifty.
India chased down 271 in just 39.5 overs, finishing at 271/1 and turning what was expected to be a tense decider into a one-sided show of authority. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna picked four wickets each to bowl out South Africa for 270, at least 80 runs short of what the surface demanded on a dewy evening.
This match was not only a statement of India’s rising bench strength but also a strong reminder that the team remains laser-focused on building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, with veterans like Kohli still leading from the front.
India vs South Africa: A Toss Win That Felt Like a Break in the Clouds
One of the most viral moments of the day came even before the match began. KL Rahul, standing in as captain, let out a punch of celebration after finally winning the toss. India had lost 20 consecutive ODI tosses — a statistically shocking streak that had become a running joke in cricket circles.
Rahul even switched hands for the toss, flipping the coin with his left hand instead of the usual right. When the coin finally fell in India’s favour, the relief on his face sparked a wave of excitement among teammates and fans.
The decision to bowl first was straightforward and tactical. Dew had been a major factor in the second ODI in Raipur, where India posted 358 yet failed to defend the target because the ball became wet and difficult to grip. The team management was determined to avoid a repeat in the decider.
Bowling under dry conditions for the first 50 overs gave India a clear advantage — and they used it flawlessly.
South Africa’s Innings: A Hundred from de Kock But No Real Support
South Africa began poorly, losing opener Rickelton for a duck in the first over. Arshdeep Singh delivered a sharp new-ball spell, swinging the ball across the left-hander and forcing a mistake.
From there, Quinton de Kock held the innings together. He played with fluency, timing boundaries with ease and punishing anything loose. His 106 off 89 balls (8 fours, 6 sixes) was a standout effort on a pitch offering assist to spinners and seamers.
However, despite de Kock’s brilliance, South Africa kept losing wickets at regular intervals:
- Bavuma laboured his way to 48 but couldn’t accelerate.
- Breetzke looked promising but fell on 24.
- Markram lasted only three balls.
- Brevis chipped in with 29 before Kuldeep trapped him.
The middle order failed to build partnerships, leaving too much burden on de Kock.
Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav: The Wicket-Taking Heroes
With conditions favouring early bowlers, Prasidh Krishna bowled one of his best ODI spells in recent times. His lengths were fuller than usual, and he attacked the stumps relentlessly. He finished with 4/66, dismissing de Kock, Markram, Breetzke and Baartman.
Kuldeep Yadav was equally effective. On a pitch that offered turn and grip, he bowled with perfect control. His spell of 4/41 dismantled the South African lower middle order. Using drift and flight, he produced a mesmerizing dismissal of Dewald Brevis, who was caught while trying to break free.
Together, Prasidh and Kuldeep ensured South Africa never crossed the 300-run psychological mark.
South Africa Finish on 270: India vs South Africa
Most experts predicted that 350+ was a par score on this Visakhapatnam surface, especially with dew expected in the second innings. Once South Africa ended on 270, it felt like India had already taken one step towards the series trophy.
The final surge never arrived for the visitors:
- Maharaj held one end with a gritty 20*
- Jansen and Bosch added small contributions
- But no one stayed long enough to lift the total beyond competitive range
India’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection, preventing boundaries in the death overs and forcing South Africa into risky shots.
The Chase: Rohit Sharma’s Early Dominance Sets the Tone: India vs South Africa
India opened the chase with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal — an experienced leader guiding a young prodigy.
Rohit looked in majestic touch right from ball one. He played with delightful fluency, driving through covers and pulling short balls effortlessly. His 75 off 73 balls included:
- 7 fours
- 3 sixes
- Clean rotation of strike
- Constant pressure on bowlers
His presence shielded Jaiswal, who started cautiously. Rohit’s proactive approach nullified South Africa’s new-ball threat and laid the foundation for a smooth chase.
The pair added a massive 155-run opening partnership, leaving South Africa searching for answers.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Maiden ODI Hundred: A Coming-of-Age Knock
At the start of his innings, Jaiswal struggled with timing and footwork. The ball was not coming onto the bat as he expected. Yet he held his nerve and focused on singles.
As Rohit took on the bowlers, Jaiswal grew into his role.
Once he crossed 40, his confidence transformed. His shots became crisper, his intent clearer. He unleashed:
- Clean lofts over long-on
- Elegant drives
- Quick running between the wickets
- A handful of powerful boundary strokes
Jaiswal reached his maiden ODI century with a punch through the off side, raising his bat with pride. It was more than a milestone—this was a statement.
Finishing unbeaten on 116 off 121 balls, Jaiswal showed that he belongs on the big stage. With fierce competition for India’s top-order spots, this knock solidified his position in the white-ball setup.
India vs South Africa Virat Kohli: The Chase Master Delivers Another Gem
If Jaiswal provided the foundation and Rohit delivered the momentum, Virat Kohli brought the finishing class.
Coming off two straight centuries in the first two ODIs, Kohli was in sublime rhythm. He timed the ball like a dream and brought his trademark calmness to the chase. His innings of 65 off 45 balls included:
- 6 fours
- 3 sixes
- A strike rate of 144
- Brilliant strike rotation
- Flawless shot selection
Kohli reached his fifty in just 40 balls and appeared in complete control. His footwork against spinners was impeccable, and his aggression against pacers was decisive.
Once India got close to the target, the packed Vizag crowd roared for a Kohli finish. He obliged, punching the winning runs through the covers.
India registered a dominant 9-wicket win with 10.1 overs remaining.
FULL SCORECARD SUMMARY : India vs South Africa
South Africa Innings – 270 All Out (47.5 overs)
- Quinton de Kock – 106 (89)
- Temba Bavuma – 48 (67)
- Dewald Brevis – 29 (29)
- Breetzke – 24 (23)
- Marco Jansen – 17 (15)
- Maharaj – 20* (29)
Top Indian Bowlers:
- Kuldeep Yadav – 4/41
- Prasidh Krishna – 4/66
- Jadeja – 1/50
- Arshdeep – 1/36
India Innings – 271/1 (39.5 overs)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 116* (121)
- Rohit Sharma – 75 (73)
- Virat Kohli – 65* (45)
Top SA Bowlers:
- Keshav Maharaj – 1/44
- Baartman – 0/60
- Ngidi – 0/56
India vs South Africa: Key Moments That Defined the Match
1. Rickelton’s Early Dismissal
South Africa’s innings began with immediate pressure as Rickelton fell for a duck. This allowed India to control the tempo.
2. De Kock’s Lone Battle
While de Kock scored freely, wickets kept tumbling at the other end. India’s bowlers never allowed partnerships to flourish.
3. Kuldeep’s Magical Middle-Overs Spell
His variations broke the spine of South Africa’s innings and prevented a big total.
4. Rohit–Jaiswal Partnership
Their 155-run stand completely took the game away from South Africa.
5. Kohli’s Finishing Touch
When Kohli starts timing the ball this well, chases become effortless.
Impact on India’s Roadmap to the 2027 ODI World Cup
This series offered India a glimpse into its future:
1. Jaiswal’s Emergence
His maiden ODI century proved he can handle pressure situations.
2. Kohli’s Longevity
With two centuries and a fifty in the series, Kohli demonstrated he remains central to India’s ODI plans.
3. Rohit’s Aggression
Rohit’s clarity of role sets the tone for India’s template going forward.
4. Kuldeep Yadav’s Consistency
He is now India’s most reliable middle-overs wicket-taker in ODIs.
5. Bench Strength
Despite several rested senior players, India looked strong — a sign of depth entering a World Cup cycle.
India vs South Africa Post-Match Reactions
Analysts praised India’s tactical awareness and composure. Several broadcasters highlighted that winning the toss was crucial, but India’s execution made the real difference.
Experts noted:
- Jaiswal’s innings showcased maturity beyond his age
- Kohli remains unmatched in chases
- Kuldeep’s form is a major asset
- Rahul’s leadership was calm and effective
Commentators also emphasized how India bounced back from the Test-series whitewash earlier in the tour, showing character and resilience.
What This Win Means for India: India vs South Africa
This emphatic victory sends a message: India’s white-ball cricket is evolving with a balance of youth and experience. Key takeaways include:
- India can dominate even without several first-choice stars
- Jaiswal is ready to become a long-term ODI opener
- Rohit–Kohli synergy still defines India’s batting core
- The bowling attack has depth and variety
- Team culture remains strong despite setbacks
With the series finishing 2–1, India closed the tour on a high, giving fans plenty to cheer about and analysts plenty to discuss.
India vs South Africa: A Statement Win for a Team Building Toward the Future
India’s 9-wicket thumping of South Africa in the 3rd ODI was more than just a series victory. It was:
- A showcase of emerging talent
- A reaffirmation of veteran brilliance
- A demonstration of tactical clarity
- A strong reply to critics
- A promising glimpse of the road to 2027
From Jaiswal’s maiden hundred to Kohli’s authoritative fifty and Rohit’s electric stroke play, India crafted a near-perfect chase. Add to that the brilliant spells from Kuldeep and Prasidh, and the result looked inevitable long before the winning shot.
India will take immense confidence from this triumph as they continue shaping their squad for upcoming ICC events.
