The changing of the guard has never looked more assured. In a performance that was as dominant as it was stylish, Team India steamrolled South Africa by nine wickets in the decisive third ODI at Visakhapatnam, clinching the series 2-1 and successfully avenging their recent Test defeat.
The story was written by the bat of 23-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal, who anchored the massive chase of 270 with a historic, mature, and breathtaking maiden ODI century.
The Power of Two Century Stands
South Africa’s target of 271, a respectable score, looked daunting only on paper. India’s response was a masterclass in partnership batting:
The Blazing Start (155 Runs): Star Opener Rohit Sharma (75) partnered with Jaiswal to launch a merciless assault on the Proteas’ bowlers. Their 155-run opening stand ensured the required run rate became a non-factor almost immediately.
The Clinical Finish (100 Runs): After Rohit’s departure, Jaiswal seamlessly transitioned from support to anchor, forming a calm and authoritative 100-run partnership with the ever-reliable Virat Kohli.
Jaiswal, demonstrating exceptional shot selection and temperament, remained unbeaten on 116*, guiding the team to victory inside the 40th over (39.5 overs). Kohli was the perfect partner, finishing his knock on 65*, ensuring the chase was completed with clinical precision and nine wickets in hand.
The Golden Six: Jaiswal Joins the Elite
Beyond the match result, Jaiswal achieved personal immortality. By scoring a century in this ODI, he became only the sixth Indian cricketer in history to register a hundred across all three international formats (Test, ODI, T20I), joining the ranks of legends like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suresh Raina.
Focus Shifts to T20 Revenge at Cuttack
The rivalry is far from over. India will next face South Africa in the short format, starting the five-match T20 series with the first match scheduled for December 9th at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Given the confidence gained from this ODI series win, India will be aiming to carry this momentum into the high-octane T20 battle.
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