Image Source: @BCCI
India clinched the three-match ODI series against South Africa with a commanding nine-wicket win in the third and final ODI at the ACA–VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 6, 2025. Recovering strongly from a loss in the second match, India sealed the series 2–1 with a dominant all-round performance.
South Africa’s innings began on a positive note as opener Quinton de Kock played a splendid knock of 106 runs, anchoring the innings alongside Temba Bavuma, who contributed 48. The pair stitched together a solid opening partnership of 113 runs, laying a strong foundation for the South African innings.
However, the momentum began to shift when Prasidh Krishna struck early, followed by an excellent spell from Kuldeep Yadav, who finished with figures of 4 for 41. Their disciplined bowling triggered a dramatic collapse, with South Africa slipping from 168 for 2 to 270 all out in just under 48 overs.
Ravindra Jadeja and Arshdeep Singh also played crucial roles with the ball. Jadeja removed Bavuma at a key moment, while Arshdeep picked up a wicket in his first over to keep the pressure firmly on South Africa’s batting line-up.
Chasing a target of 271, India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma got off to a flying start. Jaiswal displayed remarkable composure and flair to register his maiden ODI century, remaining unbeaten on 116 off 121 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes. Rohit provided solid support at the other end, scoring an impressive 75 before falling short of a century. His innings, marked by elegant stroke play, also saw him cross the milestone of 20,000 international runs. The pair’s 155-run opening stand laid the foundation for India’s comfortable chase.
Following Rohit’s dismissal, Virat Kohli ensured there were no further hiccups. He played a fluent knock, finishing unbeaten on 65 off 45 deliveries to guide India home. Kohli capped off an outstanding series with 302 runs, earning the Player of the Series award.
Kuldeep Yadav’s disciplined bowling stood out for its control and accuracy, playing a key role in shifting the momentum in India’s favour. Jaiswal was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century, underlining his emergence as a key figure in India’s batting line-up.
The series also featured several notable milestones, including India registering their tenth 100-plus opening partnership against South Africa and Quinton de Kock equalling Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of seven ODI centuries against India.
With the ODI series concluded, India will now turn their attention to the five-match T20I series beginning on December 9 in Cuttack, aiming to carry forward their strong form against South Africa on home soil.
