The IND vs SA in 3rd ODI in Visakhapatnam was the final of the series that everyone had been waiting for, a make-or-break clash after two high-scoring, intensely contested matches that left the ODI series tied at 1-1. The historic rivalry between India and South Africa has always been fraught with history and high stakes, but this decider offered a glimpse into the future of India’s white-ball pedigree, while at the same time allowing the senior statesmen to tick off historic milestones.
The result was a comprehensive, spectacular nine-wicket victory for India, who successfully chased down a league target of 271 with over ten overs to spare, securing the series 2-1 and confirming their formidable status on home soil. The main story of the day was clear: a disciplined bowling performance was flawlessly complemented by a batting masterclass led by a young sensation and anchored by a legendary run-scorer.
Match summary and result
India won the toss, putting an end to a bizarre, much-discussed story 20-match ODI toss losing streak– and captain KL Rahul wisely chose to field on a surface that promised dew later in the evening. South Africa’s innings started strongly, led by a blistering century from opener Quinton de Kock, who blazed 106 off just 89 ballsincluding six huge sixes. De Kock, with support from Temba Bavuma (48), had the Proteas well positioned at one point, looking for another impressive total of over 300.
However, the middle-order batsman failed to capitalize on the platform. The Indian bowlers, especially Kuldeep Yadav’s spin and Prasidh Krishna’s pace, orchestrated a clinical collapse. South Africa was eventually thrown out 270 in 47.5 overs. The exceptional bowling effort kept the chase in the IND vs SA in 3rd ODI would be manageable.
In response, India made the chase look effortless. An excellent one Opening partnership of 155 runs between veteran Rohit Sharma and young Yashasvi Jaiswal broke the back of the goal. Rohit contributed fluently 75 (73 balls)and Jaiswal anchored the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten maiden ODI century (116* off 121 balls). Virat Kohli then entered the fray and provided the finishing touch with a quick strike 65* discount on 45 balls. India reached the target of 271 with an impressive score of 271/1 in just 39.5 oversrecording a huge nine-wicket victory to clinch the series.
Turning points in the match
Three moments fundamentally changed the trajectory of the IND vs SA in 3rd ODI decision maker:
- De Kock’s dismissal and collapse: Quinton de Kock had just brought up his great century and threatened to take the game away from India completely. The score was 199/5 in the 33rd over when pacer Prasidh Krishna De Kock finally bowled cleanly. This was the moment the floodgates opened. It removed South Africa’s main aggressor and set in motion the rapid decline of their innings, which proved to be a game-changer of monumental significance.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s decisive spell: After restricting the scoring rate, India had to quickly dismantle the middle order. Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4/41) delivered a masterclass, claiming important lower-order wickets, including a crucial double strike in the 38th over, removing Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen. This stranglehold prevented South Africa from adding a crucial 30-40 points that would have made the chase much more difficult.
- Rohit Sharma’s historic milestone of 20,000 runs: While building the huge opening partnership, Rohit Sharma crossed the line 20,000 international runs marking. This performance, completed during a dominant chase, psychologically devastated the South African bowlers, reinforcing the sheer amount of class and experience they faced. It shifted the focus from a tense chase to a festive parade.
Player performance
Star Performer(s) (Man of the Match and Player of the Series)
The Man of the Match award went to Yashasvi Jaiswal for his magnificent maiden ODI century (116*). His maturity and technique under the pressure of a series decider were extraordinary.
However, the Player of the Series award went to Virat Kohliwho averaged an astonishing 151 across the three matches, including two centuries in the first two matches. His unbeaten 65* in the final match added the perfect finishing touch to his dominant series performance.
Rohit Sharma’s historic run
During his flowing 75, Rohit Sharma the milestone of crossed 20,000 international runs. He became only the fourth Indian batsman, after Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid, and the 14th player overall to achieve the monumental feat, underscoring his legendary status in the game.
Biggest disappointments
The disappointment for South Africa was the collective failure of their lower order batting to build on De Kock’s foundation. After the centurion’s dismissal, their innings quickly folded. The bowling unit, especially new ball pair Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, also struggled to create early pressure, allowing India’s powerful opening pair to cruise.
Tactical enforcer
Kuldeep Yadav And Prasidh Krishna (take both 4 wickets) shared the bowling award. Krishna claimed the crucial wicket of De Kock, but Kuldeep’s spell of 4/41 was ultimately the most damaging as he consistently broke the back of South Africa’s lower resistance and prevented them from reaching a competitive total.
What it means for the tournament standings
The result of the IND vs SA in 3rd ODI decider gives India a big psychological boost. The 2-1 series win, which follows their recent Test series triumph, cements their position as world champions in home conditions across all formats. This win builds crucial momentum and confidence, especially for young players like Jaiswal and Tilak Varma, who have staked serious claims for a permanent spot in the ODI lineup ahead of the next major ICC tournament cycle.
For South Africa, the series loss, despite exceptional individual brilliance, highlights a recurring structural problem: their team’s inability to maintain momentum. They put up a great fight but need to address their vulnerability and bowling consistency in high-pressure chases.
The two teams will now quickly shift focus to the five-match T20 series, providing an immediate opportunity for South Africa to regroup and for India to continue their dominant run.
Fan perspective and opinions on the IND vs SA 3rd ODI
The response to the IND vs SA in 3rd ODI on social media was overwhelmingly positive and euphoric for the Indian side. The combination of Jaiswal’s maiden century, Rohit’s milestone and Kohli’s Player of the Series award created a perfect storm of celebratory content.
Fans were excited about the series win and used hashtags like #INDvsSA and #Hitman20K to celebrate. The end of the ‘toss curse’ (the twenty-match toss losing streak) was a huge talking point, treated by fans as a hilarious highlight. There was particularly high praise for Jaiswal, with many calling him a star in the making across all formats. The sentiment was one of total dominance and satisfaction as India produced a clinical, professional performance to take home the coveted series trophy.
The IND vs SA in 3rd ODI will be etched in history not only for India’s comprehensive nine-wicket win, but also for the emergence of Yashasvi Jaiswal and the lasting legacy of Rohit Sharma’s 20,000-run milestone. The final match was a complete performance with the Indian bowling unit setting the stage for a batting masterclass led by the young opener and capped by the experienced Player of the Series, Virat Kohli. India’s clinical authority secured an astonishing 2-1 win in the series, setting them up perfectly for the upcoming T20 matches.
Also read: IND vs SA 2nd ODI
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