Jaiswal’s unbeaten 116 steers India to 9-wicket series-clinching win in Vizag

India wrapped up the three-match series against South Africa with a nine-wicket victory in the third ODI at Visakhapatnam, chasing down 271 with more than 10 overs to spare. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the central figure, carrying his bat to an unbeaten 116 while Rohit Sharma’s 75 provided the platform. Virat Kohli finished the job with a brisk 65 not out off 45 balls. The result gave India a 2-1 series win.

KL Rahul won the toss, choosing to bowl under conditions where dew was forecast to be a factor. The decision ended a long run of losing tosses for India in ODIs; Rahul’s win was the country’s first after a sequence of 20 defeats at the coin toss. India’s bowlers justified the call, applying pressure through the innings and restricting South Africa to a competitive but chaseable 270.

The bowling innings began with Prasidh Krishna, who struck with key top-order wickets to derail South Africa’s momentum. Kuldeep Yadav then capitalised on a dry ball and struck in quick succession, removing Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen inside three deliveries and later accounting for Corbin Bosch. Kuldeep’s spell proved decisive in curbing the tail and ensuring the target remained within reach.

South Africa had established some recovery during the middle overs, but India’s collective bowling effort kept the scoring in check. The Proteas would have eyed a total closer to 350 at various stages, yet a late collapse prevented that. Ultimately, 270 proved below par on the night, given the pitch and the chase that followed.

India’s reply was measured and efficient. Rohit and Jaiswal put together a 155-run opening stand that effectively settled the contest. Rohit played the role of anchor in the early exchanges, rotating strike and absorbing the new-ball movement while Jaiswal took his time to find rhythm. Once Jaiswal set in, he accelerated methodically, combining defence with well-timed aggression to move to three figures. Rohit’s dismissal did not change the course; the platform had been laid.

Kohli then joined Jaiswal and accelerated the chase, scoring 65 off 45 balls to steer India across the line in under 40 overs. The pair’s late scoring ensured there was never a prolonged period of pressure in the run chase. India lost just one wicket in the reply and finished comfortably, the chase underlining their dominance with the bat on the day.

Virat Kohli was named Player of the Tournament for his twin centuries and a fifty during the series. His consistency at the top of the order provided India with a constant scoring threat across the three matches. Rohit’s return to form at the top also contributed, while Ruturaj Gaikwad’s century in the second ODI had bolstered India’s options in the middle order earlier in the series.

For South Africa, Quinton de Kock’s century in the match was a highlight but proved insufficient in the face of India’s collective bowling. The Proteas will review the collapse in the latter stages and the failure to press on to a more imposing total.

The series concluded with India having executed their plans effectively in the decider. Bowling changes, use of Kuldeep with the dry ball and a disciplined chase underlined India’s control in Visakhapatnam. Jaiswal’s hundred added a fresh name to India’s limited-overs conversation as selectors consider options ahead, while Kohli’s tournament-long returns reinforced his position as the series’ standout performer.

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