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India finally broke their streak of bad luck at the toss, with KL Rahul spinning it left-handed to secure their first win in 21 ODIs. And that little slice of luck made a big difference, as India produced a commanding all-round performance to chase down South Africa’s 270 with nine wickets and more than ten overs to spare. The victory not only showcased India’s depth but highlighted how strongly they fought to stay competitive in a series where conditions repeatedly went against them.
The turnaround began with Prasidh Krishna, who had taken heavy criticism earlier in the series. After Quinton de Kock blasted a brilliant century, Prasidh returned for a decisive second spell that completely shifted the momentum. Kuldeep Yadav, enjoying his first dry ball of the series, then carved through the lower middle order, restricting South Africa to a below-par 270 — a total that at one stage looked headed well above 330.
Early Control and South Africa’s Recovery
Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana made excellent use of early moisture in the surface, keeping things tight in the first powerplay. With Ryan Rickelton opening in place of Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram pushed down the order, South Africa found scoring tough. Arshdeep removed Rickelton in the first over, and India bowled three maidens in the opening eight overs.
But once Prasidh came on, de Kock pounced. He smashed him for two sixes early and launched into a stunning hitting spree, including two majestic extra-cover strokes that lit up the innings. Supported by Temba Bavuma in a 113-run stand, de Kock powered South Africa out of early trouble. By the time he crossed 60 off 55 balls, South Africa had regained control and were scoring close to a run a ball.
Matthew Breetzke attacked the part-time spin of Tilak Varma, and India’s fifth-bowler combination leaked 56 runs in just five overs. De Kock surged to his seventh century against India in only 23 innings — more than any visiting batter has managed on Indian soil.
India’s Comeback Through the Middle Overs
Just when South Africa seemed poised to launch, Prasidh Krishna returned with renewed discipline. His first over back cost only two runs, and minutes later he trapped Breetzke lbw and removed Markram in the same over, both falling to intelligent variations in length.
South Africa continued to attack with Brevis and Jansen, but de Kock’s dismissal — bowled for 106 off 89 — at 199 for 5 marked a turning point. The next phase belonged entirely to Kuldeep Yadav. Using the older, drier ball to tremendous effect, he tossed it up wider, forced errors, and dismissed both Brevis and Jansen in the same over. He added two more, finishing with 4 for 41 — another four-wicket haul in a career now filled with them.
Prasidh closed the innings by removing the last man, ending with 4 for 66, but more importantly, redeeming himself with crucial wickets that changed South Africa’s trajectory.
India’s Chase: Rohit Calms, Jaiswal Flames
To defend 270, South Africa needed early inroads. But despite swing for Jansen and Ngidi, wayward lines (seven wides in the first two overs) kept India steady. Rohit Sharma took charge while Yashasvi Jaiswal battled to find rhythm.
Rohit counterattacked with typical authority — charging Ngidi for a six, threading boundaries against Maharaj, and unleashing his trademark pull shot. His run-a-ball approach allowed Jaiswal the breathing room he needed.
The young opener — under pressure while filling in for the injured Shubman Gill — finally settled after a slow start. When he reached fifty off 75 balls, his strokeplay blossomed. He brought up his maiden ODI century with accelerated flair, taking only 36 more balls to convert it. In doing so, he became the sixth Indian to score centuries in all three formats.
Rohit fell for a strong 75, 25 short of another ODI hundred, but his buildup had already set the tone. Virat Kohli entered with freedom and confidence, adding another layer to his evolving game. He struck 12 sixes in the series — his highest in any ODI series — and his unbeaten 65 off 45 ensured India cruised home with stunning ease.
Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 116, marking a landmark evening in his young career.
