De Kock’s 23rd ODI Century Powers South Africa to 270, but Kuldeep–Prasidh Fightback Keeps India in Command

Visakhapatnam, Dec 2025 : South Africa’s opening batter Quinton de Kock slammed his 23rd ODI century in a commanding display of stroke play, but a spirited bowling comeback by India — led by Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna with four wickets each — restricted the visitors to 270 all out in the series-deciding third and final One-Day International at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

De Kock’s magnificent knock of 106 off 89 balls, studded with eight boundaries and six towering sixes, gave South Africa a solid platform and briefly threatened to take the match away from India. However, the Indian bowlers produced a remarkable turnaround in the middle and death overs to claw back control after the Proteas looked set for yet another 300-plus total in the high-scoring series.

With the three-match series locked at 1-1 after India’s 17-run win in the opener and South Africa’s emphatic reply in the second ODI, the Visakhapatnam encounter assumed massive significance as the decider.

South Africa were asked to bat first after the Indian captain finally broke a prolonged toss-losing streak. The visitors suffered an early blow when Ryan Rickelton fell for a duck in the very first over, edging Arshdeep Singh behind. But that early setback hardly slowed South Africa’s momentum as de Kock settled in with trademark composure.

The left-handed opener began cautiously, rotating the strike and respecting the conditions before gradually opening up with elegant drives and confident lofted strokes. Partnered by skipper Temba Bavuma, de Kock stitched together a vital 113-run stand for the second wicket that stabilized the innings and laid the foundation for acceleration.

Bavuma contributed a crisp 48 before falling shortly after the halfway mark, while Matthew Breetzke added a brisk 24 as South Africa surged to 168/2 at one stage. De Kock reached his hundred in the 30th over, bringing up the landmark off just 80 balls, underlining his status as one of the finest white-ball batters of his generation.

The century also put de Kock in elite company, as he now shares the record for the most ODI hundreds by a designated wicketkeeper with Kumar Sangakkara, both having scored 23. He also pulled level with South African great AB de Villiers for most centuries in India by a visiting player.

Just when South Africa looked poised to launch into an all-out assault, Prasidh Krishna turned the momentum on its head. After conceding 27 runs in his first two overs, Prasidh struck back sharply by dismissing Breetzke, who attempted a big hit but perished after a run-a-ball 24. The breakthrough opened the floodgates.

In his second spell, Prasidh removed the dangerous Aiden Markram for just one, forcing the in-form hundred-maker from the previous match into a mistimed shot that was safely pocketed by Virat Kohli. Moments later, Prasidh delivered the biggest blow of the innings — a fast, full delivery that shattered de Kock’s middle stump, ending his magnificent knock and leaving South Africa suddenly wobbling.

Dewald Brevis attempted to steady the innings with an aggressive 29, while Marco Jansen chipped in with 17 as the duo added 35 runs for the sixth wicket. But the charge was abruptly halted by Kuldeep Yadav, who delivered a match-turning over in the 39th.

Kuldeep first deceived Brevis with a well-disguised wrong’un, inducing a miscue that was comfortably caught by Rohit Sharma at midwicket. Off the very next ball, Marco Jansen attempted a cross-batted slog and was brilliantly taken by Ravindra Jadeja at deep midwicket. The twin strikes completely altered the complexion of the innings.

Kuldeep continued to weave his magic through the lower order, dismissing Corbin Bosch and Lungi Ngidi to complete his ninth four-wicket haul in ODIs with impressive figures of 4 for 41. Prasidh returned in his final spell to bowl Ottneil Baartman, sealing South Africa’s collapse.

Keshav Maharaj remained unbeaten on 20, striking a couple of boundaries, but the Proteas were eventually bowled out for 270 in 47.5 overs — a total that once seemed headed well beyond 300.

India’s bowling performance stood out for its resilience. After absorbing heavy punishment in the early overs, the hosts staged a remarkable comeback through disciplined spin from Kuldeep and clever pace variations from Prasidh to dismantle South Africa’s middle and lower order with two overs to spare.

With 271 needed to claim the decider and seal the series 2-1, India were delivered a target that offers both opportunity and challenge on a surface that has produced big scores throughout the series.

Brief Scores:
South Africa 270 all out in 47.5 overs (Quinton de Kock 106, Temba Bavuma 48, Dewald Brevis 29; Kuldeep Yadav 4-41, Prasidh Krishna 4-66) vs India.

Team Maverick.