Team India produced a commanding all-round performance on Saturday to defeat South Africa by nine wickets in the decisive third ODI, clinching the three-match series with a 2-1 margin. The comprehensive victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was built on a disciplined bowling effort and a spectacular, record-breaking chase.
Bowlers Set the Stage for Victory
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Indian attack laid a solid foundation for the win. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, claiming an impressive 4 wickets for 41 runs in his 10 overs. He was ably supported by pacer Prasidh Krishna, who also picked up 4 wickets, conceding 66 runs. Their combined effort restricted the Proteas to a total of 270 all out.
For South Africa, opener Quinton de Kock played a brilliant lone hand, scoring a swift 106 runs off just 89 deliveries, an innings studded with eight fours and six sixes. Captain Temba Bavuma contributed 48, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build substantial partnerships, allowing the Indian bowlers to regularly break through.
Jaiswal, Rohit, and Kohli Master the Chase
Chasing a target of 271, India's response was nothing short of dominant. The chase was anchored by a magnificent 155-run opening partnership between the young Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit provided the early impetus with a fluent 75 off 73 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes.
Jaiswal, however, was the star of the show. The left-hander remained unbeaten on a masterful 116 runs from 121 balls, an innings that included 12 boundaries and two maximums. This was not just any century; it marked Jaiswal's maiden ODI hundred. More significantly, it propelled him into an elite group of Indian batters.
With this ton, Yashasvi Jaiswal became only the sixth Indian male cricketer to score centuries in all three international formats – Test, ODI, and T20I. He joins an illustrious list featuring:
- Suresh Raina
- Rohit Sharma
- KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Shubman Gill
The chase was fittingly finished by the experienced Virat Kohli, who played a characteristically aggressive cameo. Kohli smashed an unbeaten 65 off just 45 balls, with six fours and three sixes, to seal the victory with a whopping 10.1 overs and nine wickets to spare.
A Strong Finish and Historic Feat
This victory represents a strong finish to India's ODI engagements, showcasing depth in both batting and bowling departments. The series win was built on recovering from a loss in the first game, demonstrating the team's resilience.
The match will be remembered for Yashasvi Jaiswal's coming-of-age innings in the 50-over format. His ability to convert a start into a big hundred, especially in a series decider, underscores his immense talent and temperament. The clinical nature of the win, achieved with immense ease, sends a powerful message as the team builds towards future challenges.
The collective efforts of Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the bowling duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna ensured South Africa had no opportunity to stage a comeback in the final match, handing India a well-deserved series triumph.
