India Thrash South Africa by 9 Wickets to Clinch ODI Series 2–1
Visakhapatnam, December 6, 2025 — India delivered a dominant all-round performance to hammer South Africa by nine wickets in the series-deciding third ODI, taking the three-match series 2–1. The visitors were bowled out for 270, before India chased the target with remarkable ease, finishing at 271/1 in just 39.5 overs.
South Africa’s Struggle: From Promise to Collapse
South Africa, who chose to bat first, looked well-placed early on but faltered against India’s tight middle-overs bowling. They were dismissed for 270 in 47.5 overs, unable to convert promising starts into a match-winning total.
The destruction was led by Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna, who shared eight wickets between them. Their combined effort broke the backbone of the South African lineup and prevented them from crossing the 300-run mark.
A Chase of Authority: India Lose Just One Wicket
India’s reply was nothing short of a batting masterclass. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal produced his maiden ODI century — a brilliant, unbeaten 116* — and was declared Player of the Match for his composed yet aggressive innings.
Skipper Rohit Sharma supported him with a fluent 75, forming a massive opening stand that put India in complete control. When Rohit departed, Virat Kohli closed the game confidently with an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls, sealing the chase with more than 10 overs to spare.
Match Summary – 3rd ODI, Visakhapatnam
Series Recap: How India Took the ODI Series 2–1
1st ODI – India won by 17 runs
India posted 349/8, then bowled out South Africa for 332, taking a 1–0 lead.
2nd ODI – South Africa won by 4 wickets
In a high-scoring thriller, India set 358/5, but South Africa chased down 362/6 with four balls remaining to level the series 1–1.
3rd ODI – India won by 9 wickets
South Africa made 270, India replied with 271/1, sealing the series.
Why This Series Was Special
India’s emphatic victory in the final ODI came after South Africa had built significant momentum by winning the second match in Raipur, where Virat Kohli scored a century in vain during a run-fest.
The Visakhapatnam win marked a resurgence of India’s top order:
Looking Ahead
With this commanding win, India enter the upcoming T20I leg with renewed confidence. Young talent, strong leadership, and a firing bowling unit give India a clear advantage — while South Africa will look to regroup and address their middle-order and death-bowling concerns.
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