Yashasvi Jaiswal (116 not out) and the bowlers steered India to a memorable nine-wicket win over South Africa, as the hosts clinched the ODI series 2-1. India overhauled the target of 271 in just under 40 overs.
It also has to be noted that India finally won a toss in ODI cricket, ensuring that they bowled first in conditions where dew played a key role in the second innings. The last time they had won the toss in this format was back in the 2023 World Cup semi-final. KL Rahul, the India skipper, revealed that he had used his left hand instead of his right to bring some good luck.
Arshdeep Singh made the initial incision by removing Ryan Rickelton early. However, for a period of time, Quinton de Kock threatened to take the game away from India’s grasp. He unleashed a flurry of shots while facing Prasidh Krishna. At one point of time, the lanky pacer had figures of none for 27 from two overs.
Even after South Africa lost the wicket of Temba Bavuma, they were in a position of strength. It was Prasidh who charted a turnaround by sending the dangerous Matthew. Breetzke back to the hut.
The pace bowler then dislodged both De Kock, the centurion, and Aiden Markram to leave South Africa in a spot of bother. At that juncture, Kuldeep Yadav took over by picking up a slew of wickets.
With a judicious mix of googlies, stock ball and flight, he sent Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi and Dewald Brevis back to the hut. Prasidh then provided the finishing touches by castling Ottneil Baartman.
Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma (75), the opening pair, more or less sealed the deal with a first-wicket stand of 155. Initially, Rohit was the aggressor, essaying sublime shots off Keshav Maharaj and Bosch. Jaiswal soon took over, repeatedly punishing the likes of Jansen and Baartman.
Once Rohit fell to Maharaj, Virat Kohli (65 not out) linked up with Jaiswal to take India home. The majestic six wide of long-on by Kohli was perhaps the highlight of India’s innings. Soon, Jaiswal reached his maiden ODI hundred. The left-hand batter jumped in the air to celebrate the moment. Hopefully, the first of many.
The embattled Indian think-tank would be pleased with the series victory, especially after hurtling to a Test-series whitewash at home against South Africa. Meanwhile, Ro-Ko’s fans, who made a beeline entry into the stadium, would also go home happy after having watched the duo making contributions in a winning cause.
Brief scores: South Africa 270 in 47.5 overs (Quinton de Kock 106; Kuldeep Yadav 4/41, Prasidh Krishna 4/66) lost to India 271/1 in 39.5 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 116 not out, Rohit Sharma 75) by nine wickets.
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