How Did De Kock's Century Fare Against India's Bowling in the 3rd ODI?
Synopsis
In a thrilling series decider, Quinton de Kock scored his 23rd ODI century, but India's Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna turned the tide with four wickets each, restricting South Africa to 270 runs. Discover how this match unfolded at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam and the implications for both teams.
Key Takeaways
Quinton de Kock scored a century but couldn't secure a win for his team.
Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna were pivotal in India's bowling attack.
India successfully restricted South Africa to 270 runs .
The match was crucial as it decided the series winner.
India's bowling performance showcased resilience and strategy.
Visakhapatnam, Dec 6 (NationPress) Quinton de Kock from South Africa scored his 23rd century, but India made a remarkable comeback as bowlers Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna each took four wickets to limit South Africa to 270 all out in the decisive third ODI at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
De Kock, who began the innings cautiously before accelerating, finished with 106 runs off 89 balls, including eight fours and six sixes. Kuldeep delivered an impressive performance with figures of 4-41, marking his ninth four-wicket haul in ODIs, as he helped India contain the aggressive South African batters who were once on track to surpass the 300-run mark.
With the series tied at 1-1—India winning the first match by 17 runs and South Africa claiming the second—this third match served as a crucial decider.
After the Indian captain won the toss and opted to bowl first, South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton for a duck in the first over to Arshdeep Singh. However, de Kock's century, supported by Temba Bavuma (48) and Matthew Breetzke (24), positioned the visitors at a promising 168/2.
De Kock and Bavuma formed a solid partnership, adding 113 runs for the second wicket, while he later collaborated with Breetzke for a 54-run stand to reach his century in the 30th over.
Now sharing the record for the most centuries with AB de Villiers (7 centuries), de Kock has achieved 23 ODI hundreds as a designated wicketkeeper, tying with Kumar Sangakkara.
Prasidh Krishna, initially expensive, regained his form by dismissing Breetzke and then quickly took the prized wicket of de Kock, sending his middle stump cartwheeling.
Despite a brief partnership between Dewald Brevis (29) and Marco Jansen (17), Kuldeep's exceptional bowling turned the match in India's favor, claiming both wickets in quick succession.
Even as Keshav Maharaj scored 20 not out, Kuldeep added to his tally, and Krishna wrapped up the innings by bowling Ottneil Baartman (3), leaving India to chase 271 runs for victory and a series win.
Despite a rocky start, the Indian bowlers rallied back strongly, concluding the South African innings with two overs to spare.
Brief scores:
South Africa: 270 all out in 47.5 overs (Quinton de Kock 106, Temba Bavuma 48, Dewald Brevis 29; Kuldeep Yadav 4-41, Prasidh Krishna 4-66)
Point of View
This match exemplifies the unpredictability of cricket where individual brilliance can sometimes be overshadowed by collective team effort. India's bowlers showcased resilience and skill, turning a challenging situation into a victorious one, reflecting the spirit of sportsmanship that resonates with fans across the nation.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the highest runs in the match?
Quinton de Kock scored the highest runs in the match with a total of 106 runs.
How many wickets did Kuldeep Yadav take?
Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets for 41 runs in his bowling spell.
What was the final score of South Africa in the match?
South Africa was all out for 270 runs in 47.5 overs.
Which team won the match?
India won the match, successfully chasing down the target and sealing a 2-1 series victory.
Where was the 3rd ODI played?
The 3rd ODI was played at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
