India Outclass Proteas in Vizag Decider, Win ODI Series 2-1 After Commanding Nine-Wicket Triumph
Visakhapatnam, December 6, 2025: Team India unleashed a commanding all-round performance in the series-deciding third One Day International, thrashing South Africa by nine wickets at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The victory sealed the three-match ODI series 2-1 for the Men in Blue, concluding a high-scoring and intensely fought contest.
🎯 Bowling Brilliance Restricts South Africa
Having won a crucial toss—their first in 20 ODIs—and opting to field, India’s bowlers had a point to prove after two high-scoring encounters. South Africa’s innings began with a setback as Arshdeep Singh removed Ryan Rickelton in the first over. However, veteran opener Quinton de Kock provided the early fireworks, smashing a scintillating century (106 off 89 balls) featuring eight fours and six sixes, stabilizing the innings alongside skipper Temba Bavuma (48).
At one point, the Proteas looked set for another 300+ total. But the Indian spin and pace duo combined brilliantly in the middle overs to flip the script.
- Kuldeep Yadav was the architect of the collapse, bamboozling the middle and lower order with a superb spell, finishing with figures of 4/41 in 10 overs. His decisive 39th over removed both Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen, shattering the South African momentum.
- Prasidh Krishna, recovering from an expensive second ODI, complemented Kuldeep perfectly, utilizing the reverse swing to dismantle the tail and securing a four-wicket haul (4/66).
This combined effort saw South Africa lose their way dramatically, slumping from a solid position to being bowled out for 270 in 47.5 overs—a target deemed manageable on the Visakhapatnam surface.
🔥 Top Order Clinch: Jaiswal’s Maiden Ton Steals the Show
Chasing 271 for the series win, India’s response was a masterclass in top-order batting dominance, chasing down the target with a staggering 61 balls and 9 wickets to spare.
The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid an unshakeable foundation, compiling India’s first century opening stand in 28 ODI innings (155 runs).
- Rohit Sharma was in vintage form, bringing up his 61st ODI half-century with a fluent 75 off 73 balls, crossing the significant milestone of 20,000 international runs in the process. His dismissal by Keshav Maharaj only brought in the next act of the spectacle.
- The true star of the chase was young Yashasvi Jaiswal, who notched his maiden ODI century with an innings of power and composure. He finished unbeaten on 116 off 121 balls, showcasing his ability to anchor a chase while maintaining a healthy strike rate. This century made him the sixth Indian batter to score a triple-digit score in all three formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).
The final flourish was provided by Virat Kohli, who walked in at No. 3 and immediately put the pedal to the metal. Continuing his sublime form from the first two ODIs, Kohli scored a blistering half-century (65 off 45 balls*), featuring powerful strokes and an aggressive approach that quickly wiped out the remaining target. He hit the winning boundary to seal the emphatic victory and the series.
🏆 Series Summary
The series was a compelling contest between two strong sides, characterized by sensational batting displays and decisive bowling spells. While the first two matches saw totals of 350+ being scored and chased, the decider belonged to India’s complete performance, which saw their bowlers secure the initial advantage and the top-order batsmen capitalize on it ruthlessly.
The decisive nine-wicket win not only secured the series trophy but also highlighted the depth and readiness of the Indian squad for the challenges ahead.
- Final Score: South Africa 270 (47.5 ov) lost to India 271/1 (39.5 ov) by 9 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Kuldeep Yadav (4/41) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (116*).
- Player of the Series: (To be Confirmed – Likely Virat Kohli for his consistent centuries or Kuldeep Yadav for his impact with the ball).
