Quinton de Kock's Century Powers South Africa to 270 in ODI Against India

South Africa Sets Competitive Total

In the third and final ODI held at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Saturday, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock scored his seventh ODI century, helping South Africa post a challenging total. The team managed to accumulate 270 runs in 47.5 overs, with de Kock contributing a stellar 106 runs off 89 balls, featuring eight fours and six sixes. Indian bowlers Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna each took four wickets.

Early Struggles for South Africa

South Africa's innings began poorly as they lost opener Ryan Rickelton for a duck on just his fourth ball. Arshdeep Singh claimed the wicket with KL Rahul catching behind the stumps.

De Kock and Bavuma's Partnership

Following Rickelton's dismissal, de Kock and captain Temba Bavuma countered the pressure with aggressive batting. De Kock struck two boundaries off fast bowler Harshit Rana in the fourth over.

Bavuma Reaches a Personal Milestone

During the 10th over, Bavuma crossed the 2000-run mark in ODIs, becoming the oldest South African to achieve this milestone at 35 years and 203 days. He is now tied with de Kock for the joint-fourth fastest South African to reach 2000 ODI runs, both achieving it in 53 innings.

South Africa's Steady Progress

After the first power play, South Africa stood at 42/1. In the next over, Prasidh Krishna faced a tough time, conceding 18 runs as de Kock hit him for two sixes and a four. De Kock reached his half-century in the 16th over, marking his ninth fifty-plus score against India in ODIs.

Jadeja Breaks the Partnership

De Kock and Bavuma built a solid 100-run partnership, bringing South Africa to 104/1 in 20 overs. However, Ravindra Jadeja broke the stand by dismissing Bavuma for 48 runs on the last ball of the 21st over.

Krishna's Double Strike

In the 29th over, Krishna, who had struggled earlier, took two wickets, dismissing Matthew Breetzke for 24 runs and Aiden Markram for just 1 run, leaving South Africa at 170/4.

De Kock's Century and Dismissal

De Kock reached his century shortly after, marking his seventh ODI hundred against India. His innings ended when Krishna bowled him out in the 33rd over, after he scored 106 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav's Late Wickets

In the 40th over, Kuldeep Yadav struck twice, dismissing Dewald Brevis (29) and Marco Jansen (17), reducing South Africa to 241/7. Kuldeep finished with four wickets, while Krishna took the last wicket of Ottneil Baartman, leading to South Africa's total of 270 runs.

Bowling Highlights

The Indian bowling attack saw Arshdeep Singh (1/36), Prasidh Krishna (4/66), Ravindra Jadeja (1/50), and Kuldeep Yadav (4/41) contributing to the team's efforts. The ODI series is currently tied at 1-1, with India winning the first match and South Africa taking the second.

Match Summary

South Africa 270 (Quinton de Kock 106, Temba Bavuma 48; Prasidh Krishna 4/66, Kuldeep Yadav 4/41) vs India.