In Visakhapatnam, on December 6, Yashasvi Jaiswal notched his first century in ODI cricket, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli each contributed with impressive half-centuries, as India showcased their batting prowess by defeating South Africa by nine wickets, finishing the series with a 2-1 victory. This match, held at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, concluded with around 10 overs remaining.

Following the outstanding bowling performances of Kuldeep Yadav (4-41) and Prasidh Krishna (4-66), who both took four wickets, India restricted South Africa to 270 runs, with Quinton de Kock scoring 106 and Temba Bavuma adding 48. Jaiswal’s innings of an unbeaten 116 off 121 balls, along with Rohit’s 75 off 73 and Kohli’s explosive 65 off 45 balls, propelled India to a swift 271/1, achieving victory in just 39.1 overs.

This win marked India’s resurgence in white-ball cricket, following a disappointing 0-2 loss in the Test series, and it was their 10th consecutive ODI series triumph on home soil.

Chasing a target of 271, Jaiswal, the youngest Indian to score centuries in all formats, and Rohit began cautiously before unleashing an array of impressive shots. Rohit, who was named Player of the Match, reached his fifty off 54 balls, forming a solid 155-run opening partnership with Jaiswal.

Rohit displayed his batting prowess, hitting seven boundaries and three sixes, but was ultimately dismissed by Keshav Maharaj while attempting a sweep. Jaiswal, who reached his fifty off 75 balls, accelerated after his maiden half-century, achieving his first ODI century off 111 balls, including 10 fours and one six.

Virat Kohli’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he struck his half-century off just 40 balls, including four fours and one six, with a memorable no-look six that captivated the audience. He concluded the series with 301 runs, including two centuries and one fifty.

Jaiswal and Kohli forged a significant 116-run partnership for the second wicket, ensuring a well-deserved and commanding victory, with Jaiswal remaining unbeaten on 116 and Kohli on 65.

Earlier, after losing the toss, South Africa batted first but quickly lost Ryan Rickelton (0) to Arshdeep Singh. Quinton de Kock’s century, supported by Temba Bavuma (48) and Matthew Breetzke (24), propelled them to a strong position at 168/2.

De Kock and Bavuma's 113-run partnership for the second wicket was crucial, and de Kock reached his century off just 80 balls in the 30th over. He now shares the record for the most centuries by a wicketkeeper with Kumar Sangakkara, both having 23 ODI centuries.

Despite a strong start, South Africa collapsed after losing three quick wickets, with Prasidh Krishna bouncing back after a tough start to take crucial wickets, including de Kock. Kuldeep Yadav's impressive bowling changed the game’s momentum, claiming two wickets in quick succession.

In the end, South Africa was bowled out for 270 runs in 47.5 overs, while India chased down the target easily to win the match and seal the series 2-1.

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) lost to India: 271/1 in 39.5 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 116 not out, Rohit Sharma 75, Virat Kohli 65; Keshav Maharaj 1-44) by nine wickets.