WATCH: KL Rahul’s epic celebration after India ends toss jinx | IND vs SA, 3rd ODI

The third and final ODI between India And South Africa in Visakhapatnam it is a winner-takes-all affair, with the series tied at 1-1. All attention has been on the toss, which has become a source of increasing anxiety and statistical absurdity for the Indian team. Before the match, India suffered an extraordinary and statistically improbable run of twenty consecutive toss defeats in the ODI format. This record run started after their last toss win in the 2023 ICC World Cup semi-final, which put immense pressure on the captain KL Rahul to finally change the team’s fortunes.

KL Rahul’s epic celebration after breaking India’s throwing curse; Temba Bavuma couldn’t stop smiling

When Rahul finally tossed the coin in the air for the decider, South Africa were captain Temba Bavuma called ‘heads’, but the coin landed as ‘tails’, ending the painful world record streak of 20 consecutive ODI toss losses. The moment the result was confirmed, relief washed over Rahul, who flashed a huge smile and performed an emphatic fist pump in the air, a rare and joyful display of emotion for the usually reserved captain.

The sheer improbability of the run caused the crowd in Vizag to erupt in stunned joy and celebration, with the Indian players on the sidelines also jumping with delight as they saw the streak finally broken. South African captain Bavuma, who had called most previous games correctly, could not hide his own amusement and smiled broadly at Rahul’s over-the-top celebration. Rahul, perhaps taking a superstitious measure, had even changed his routine by reportedly using his left hand to toss the coin for the first time, a peculiar ‘hack’ that seemed to work. Given the threat of heavy dew, which had been a crucial factor in the previous matches, Rahul had no hesitation and immediately decided that India would bowl first in the series decider.

Here’s the video:

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Quinton de Kock’s blitz and Temba Bavuma’s solid hitting South Africa’s recovery in the 3rd ODI

South Africa made a strong recovery in the 3rd ODI against India in Visakhapatnam, reaching 168/3 in 28.2 oversthanks to a sparkling 93 not out Quinton de Kock and a vital 48 of Temba Bavuma. India, who opted to field, initially struck early, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for a duck. However, De Kock played a blistering knock, hitting 8 fours and 5 sixes with his strike rate standing at 122.36, while Bavuma anchored the innings with a patient knock and added 114 runs for the second wicket. Matthew Breetzke also contributed with a quick 24 off 23 balls before being dismissed. However, the fall of wickets at crucial junctures slowed South Africa’s progress. India, with some tight bowling out Arshdeep Singh And Prasidh Krishnawill look to wrap up the South African innings quickly in the second half of the match.

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