India Clinches ODI Series Against South Africa with Dominant Victory
India Secures ODI Series Win
In a commanding performance, India triumphed over South Africa by nine wickets in the third ODI held in Visakhapatnam, thereby clinching the series 2-1. This victory is particularly significant as it comes on the heels of a disappointing 0-2 defeat in the preceding Test series.
South Africa batted first, setting a target of 271 runs. However, Indian batsmen chased down the target with remarkable composure and balance. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli effectively controlled the match, turning the chase into a mere formality.
Yashasvi Jaiswal marked his ODI debut with a stunning unbeaten century, scoring 116 runs. Notably, this was only his fourth ODI match, and he completed his century in 111 balls, showcasing his maturity on the international stage. With this innings, he joined the elite group of Indian batsmen who have scored centuries in all three formats of the game. Opening partner Rohit Sharma contributed significantly with 75 runs, becoming the fourth Indian player to surpass 20,000 runs in international cricket, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Meanwhile, Kohli remained steady at the crease, finishing with an aggressive 65 not out, sealing the victory with a boundary in the final moments. Throughout the ODI series, he amassed 302 runs at an impressive average of 151, signaling both his form and fitness. His shot selection, running between wickets, and experience provided stability to the Indian innings, especially under pressure from the South African bowlers seeking wickets.
In the first half of the day, bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav delivered disciplined performances, effectively curbing South Africa's scoring rate and taking crucial wickets in the middle overs to ensure India's comeback. Their economical and strategic bowling was instrumental in keeping the target manageable, contrary to what South Africa had initially anticipated. Overall, this match exemplified India's unity, balanced strategy, and composed execution.