India won the coin toss and chose to field first in the decisive third ODI of the series. South Africa scored 270 all-outs in 47.5 overs, propelled by Quinton de Kock’s sensational 106, but India’s bowlers, led by Prasidh Krishna (4/66) and Kuldeep Yadav (4/41), staged a strong comeback to hold them off.
In response, India pursued the target in just 39.5 overs, losing only one wicket, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s first unbeaten century in ODI (116* out of 121) and contributions from Rohit Sharma (75) and Virat Kohli (65*).
India won by 9 wickets, clinching the three-match series 2-1. Player of the Game: Yashasvi Jaiswal (116* on 121 balls). Player of the Series: Virat Kohli (302 runs with a .151 average, including two centuries).
South Africa: Powerplay 1 (0.1-10.0 ov): 42/1. Reached 100 in 18.6 ov, 200 in 33.2 ov. De Kock 50 in 42 balls, 100 in 80 balls.
India: Powerplay 1 (0.1-10.0 ov): 48/0. 1st wicket of 155 (Jaiswal-Sharma). Jaiswal 50 in 75 balls, 100 in 111 balls; Kohli 50 in 40 balls.
Two DRS reviews by South Africa (both upheld).
This match was a masterful display by India, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling at home. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 116 points marked his breakthrough in the ODI, signaling his readiness for bigger stages and allaying concerns about India’s starting lineup following Rohit Sharma’s occasional inconsistencies.
Virat Kohli’s 65* was his third consecutive 50+ in the series (following centuries in the first two ODIs), accumulating 302 runs with a strike rate above 100, dispelling doubts about his performance in limited-over cricket after his withdrawal in the Test.
Rohit Sharma’s aggressive 75 reinforced his value as a starter, combining power (three sixes) with control. As for the bowling, Prasidh Krishna’s 4/66 was a redemptive arc after a difficult series, while Kuldeep Yadav’s 4/41 effectively exploited the dry pitch, demonstrating the usefulness of spin in subcontinental conditions.
For South Africa, Quinton de Kock’s 106 points (his 19th ODI) was a standout achievement, providing a solid foundation and boosting his confidence ahead of the IPL auction. However, the mid-order collapse (losing 6/101 after 114/2) exposed vulnerabilities, with Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis struggling under pressure.
The bowling unit looked weak in pursuit, conceding limits at will (ECON above 6.80 overall), highlighting their ongoing adaptation to Indian courses as a relatively new white-ball team.
The series as a whole was competitive, with South Africa’s thrilling 4-wicket victory in the second ODI (chasing 359) forcing a decisive match, but India’s win by toss here proved crucial in variable conditions, with a wet course favoring pursuit.
India: This 2-1 series victory caps off a dominant 2025 in ODIs (651 runs for Kohli alone this year), cementing their status as a cue ball powerhouse on home soil.
This comes amid scrutiny of veterans Rohit and Kohli following their retirement from Tests and T20Is, which could extend their ODI participation into the 2027 World Cup cycle. Youngsters like Jaiswal are gaining momentum, while bowlers such as Prasidh and Kuldeep are consolidating their positions.
Following a resounding 2-0 victory over South Africa earlier in the tour, India finishes the year with its sights set on bilateral series and preparations for the Champions Trophy. No major injuries have been reported, but workload management for stars like Kohli will be crucial.
South Africa: The defeat stings after a second ODI victory that boosted their morale, but De Kock’s good form offers a glimmer of hope for their batting rebuild. It highlights weaknesses in bowling, particularly speed in the final overs and spin options, crucial for the upcoming tours to Australia and England in 2026.
Temba Bavuma’s captaincy faces questions about tactical decisions (e.g., not using spin bowlers earlier), and the team needs to integrate greater depth into its squad. On the positive side, it provides data for refinement ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with glimpses of the struggles of non-international players like Brevis.
The broader implications include strengthening the rivalry between India and South Africa, with this ODI stage contrasting sharply with the Tests, and a reminder of how the draw and conditions can level the playing field in India.
This series was a microcosm of modern ODIs: thrilling, high-scoring matches influenced by the draw and the weather, combining individual brilliance with team resilience. India’s emphatic victory in the decisive match, chasing 271 in 40 overs, underlined their adaptability and depth, turning a potentially difficult objective into a walk in the park. South Africa competed bravely, pushing India to the limit in one match, but faltered in execution against a fervent home attack.
Ultimately, it is a morale boost for India, validating their transitional phase, while also serving as a learning curve for the developing South African team. As Kohli reflected after the match, “I don’t think I’ve played at this level in two or three years,” evidence of renewed enthusiasm. Cricketers can only hope for more such exciting encounters.
