In a stunning display of batting prowess, South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock etched his name alongside Indian legend Virat Kohli in the record books during the third and final One Day International against India. The match, held at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 6, 2025, saw de Kock smash a magnificent century, equaling a specific Kohli milestone.
De Kock's Masterclass in Vizag
Facing a formidable Indian bowling attack, Quinton de Kock played a knock of sheer class and aggression. He anchored the South African innings, scoring a fluent 108 runs. His innings was laced with 12 boundaries and 3 sixes, coming off 118 deliveries. This century was not just about winning the match for his team; it was a historic achievement that tied him with Virat Kohli for a remarkable record.
With this hundred, de Kock now has 8 centuries in One Day Internationals against India. This brings him level with Virat Kohli, who also has 8 ODI centuries against a single opponent—Australia. Therefore, de Kock matched Kohli's record for the most ODI hundreds by a batter against a particular team. This feat underscores de Kock's consistent excellence and his status as a premier performer against one of the world's best cricketing sides.
The Context of the Match and Series
The third ODI was a crucial encounter, with India having already secured the series victory by winning the first two matches. The Indian team, led by KL Rahul, posted a competitive total. However, de Kock's brilliant century guided South Africa's chase, providing a consolation win for the visitors and ending the series on a high note for them. His partnership with other middle-order batters was pivotal in overhauling the target set by India.
The series, part of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup Super League cycle, offered vital points and preparation for both teams. While India dominated the early exchanges, de Kock's record-equaling ton in Vizag served as a powerful reminder of his quality and the threat he poses at the top of the order.
Record Books Rewritten and Future Implications
This achievement places Quinton de Kock in an elite club. Matching a record held by Virat Kohli, one of the modern greats of ODI cricket, is a significant accolade. It highlights de Kock's appetite for big scores against top-tier opposition. Analysts and fans are now keenly watching to see if he can surpass this record in future encounters against India.
The match in Visakhapatnam will be remembered for this individual milestone, even as the broader context was a series win for India. For South African cricket, de Kock's form is a massive positive as they build towards upcoming global tournaments. His ability to perform under pressure and in challenging Asian conditions makes him a invaluable asset.
In conclusion, the third ODI between India and South Africa in Vizag was illuminated by Quinton de Kock's batting genius. By scoring his 8th ODI hundred against India, he did not just win a match for his team; he secured a place in history alongside Virat Kohli, setting the stage for more thrilling contests between these two cricketing giants in the future.
