India defeated South Africa by 9 wickets in the 3rd ODI at Visakhapatnam, clinching the series 2-1. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his maiden ODI century (116), Virat Kohli smashed 65 off 45 balls, and Kuldeep Yadav starred with 4 wickets. South Africa managed 270, but India chased it down in just 39.5 overs.
Full Match Summary
The third and final ODI between India and South Africa in Visakhapatnam on December 6, 2025, turned out to be a decisive and dominant performance by the hosts. After losing the Test series earlier, India bounced back strongly in the limited-overs format, winning the ODI series 2-1 with a commanding nine-wicket victory in the decider.
Toss and Early Momentum
For the first time in 21 ODIs, India finally won the toss. Captain KL Rahul, who had endured a long streak of losing tosses, opted to bowl first. This decision proved crucial, as India’s bowlers struck early. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Ryan Rickelton for a duck in the very first over, setting the tone for the innings.
South Africa’s Innings
Despite the early setback, South Africa recovered through a strong partnership between Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma. The duo added 113 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing the innings. Bavuma contributed 48 runs, while de Kock played a magnificent knock of 106 off 89 balls, his seventh ODI century against India. His innings included 8 fours and 6 sixes, showcasing his aggressive intent.
However, once Bavuma fell to Ravindra Jadeja and de Kock was bowled by Prasidh Krishna, South Africa’s middle order collapsed. From a promising position of 168/2, they slipped to 199/5. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin proved decisive, as he picked up 4 wickets for 49 runs, dismantling the lower order. Prasidh Krishna also impressed, taking 3 wickets, while Arshdeep Singh and Jadeja chipped in with one each. South Africa were bowled out for 270 in 47.5 overs, a total that seemed below par given the batting-friendly conditions.
India’s Chase
India’s reply was nothing short of spectacular. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a solid foundation, adding 155 runs for the first wicket. Rohit looked fluent, scoring 75 off 73 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes, before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj.
The spotlight, however, was firmly on Yashasvi Jaiswal, who registered his maiden ODI century. His innings of 116 not out off 121 balls included 12 boundaries and 2 sixes. Jaiswal’s composure and shot selection ensured India never looked under pressure during the chase.
Joining him at the crease was Virat Kohli, who played a blistering knock of 65 not out off 45 balls, striking 6 fours and 3 sixes. Kohli’s aggressive intent, including a viral “no-look six,” electrified the crowd and sealed the game in style. India reached 271/1 in 39.5 overs, winning with 61 balls to spare.
Key Performances
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 116* (121 balls) – Player of the Match
- Virat Kohli: 65* (45 balls), finishing the series with 301 runs at an average of 151, earning Player of the Series.
- Rohit Sharma: 75 (73 balls) – provided stability at the top.
- Kuldeep Yadav: 4/49 – pivotal in breaking South Africa’s middle order.
- Prasidh Krishna: 3/47 – crucial strikes at the right time.
- Quinton de Kock: 106 (89 balls) – lone warrior for South Africa.
Statistical Highlights
- India’s chase of 271 was their highest successful run chase against South Africa in ODIs at home.
- Kohli’s series tally of 301 runs included scores of 135, 102, and 65*, underlining his dominance.
- Jaiswal became the youngest Indian to score an ODI century against South Africa.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 wickets took his series tally to 8, making him India’s leading wicket-taker.
- South Africa’s collapse from 168/2 to 270 all out highlighted their inability to capitalize on de Kock’s century.
Match Impact
This victory was significant for India, not just because it sealed the series, but also because it showcased the team’s depth and balance. The bowlers recovered from a strong opposition start, and the batters chased down the target with authority. For South Africa, the defeat exposed their over-reliance on de Kock and Bavuma, with the rest of the batting lineup failing to contribute meaningfully.
Final Verdict
India’s nine-wicket win was a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming T20Is. With young talents like Jaiswal stepping up, experienced stars like Kohli continuing to dominate, and bowlers like Kuldeep delivering consistently, India looks well-prepared for future challenges. South Africa, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to avoid similar collapses in the shorter formats.