Indian Bowlers Stage Stunning Comeback to Restrict South Africa to 270 in Vizag Decider
A phenomenal bowling fightback led by the spin of Kuldeep Yadav (4/41) and the pace of Prasidh Krishna (4/66) saw India bowl out South Africa for 270 in the third and final One-Day International at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.
Despite a brilliant century from opener Quinton de Kock (106), the Proteas collapsed dramatically, failing to capitalise on a strong platform that suggested a much higher total.
​The day began with a moment of minor history as Indian captain KL Rahul finally ended a streak of 20 consecutive ODI toss losses, electing to field first on a surface that offered noticeable spongy bounce early on.
​Early Strikes and De Kock’s Brilliance
​India’s new-ball bowlers, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, made good use of the conditions, with the pressure immediately paying off. South Africa made a tweak to their top order, but opener Ryan Rickelton fell for his second duck of the series in the very first over.
​Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma then weathered the early uncertainty. While Bavuma was less fluent, de Kock found his rhythm, breaking free particularly in a costly two-over spell from Prasidh Krishna that went for 27 runs. De Kock went on to bring up his 23rd ODI century, a stunning individual effort that powered the Proteas’ charge.
​The Decisive Twist: Krishna and Kuldeep Dominate
​The momentum, however, shifted decisively following the skipper’s strategic moves.
​Prasidh Krishna’s Redemption: After his expensive initial burst, Krishna returned to the attack and redeemed himself immediately by striking twice in an over, a brutal double blow that shifted the tide. Crucially, he later returned to clean up the centurion, Quinton de Kock, who departed soon after reaching his milestone. South Africa were 199/5 with about 17 overs remaining, and the lack of batting to come meant the pressure was squarely on the incoming pair of Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen.
​Kuldeep Yadav’s Masterclass: Captain Rahul’s decision to introduce the left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, proved to be a masterstroke. Kuldeep dangled the carrot, and both Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen could not resist, departing in the same over to a bruising double blow. From that point, Kuldeep proved far too good for the rest of the lower order, tearing through the tail to finish with figures of 4/41.
​Prasidh Krishna stepped in to complete the clean-up job, ensuring South Africa were bowled out well within the 50 overs for a total of 270. While competitive, the total is considered underwhelming after the Proteas looked on course for much more at the halfway mark.
​India’s bowlers executed their plans brilliantly on a dry surface that assisted the spinners in particular. The home side now needs 271 runs to win the match and the series.
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