Riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s maiden hundred, Team India registered a series-clinching nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final ODI at Vizag on Saturday (December 6).
Chasing 271 to win, the Men in Blue got off to a terrific start as the duo of Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma put on 155 runs for the opening wicket. While Jaiswal was cautious in his approach, Rohit blazed his way to 75 off 73 balls before being dismissed in the 26th over.
Jaiswal reached his half-century off 75 deliveries and then shifted gears. It took the southpaw only 26 balls to complete his second fifty and notch up his first three-figure score in the ODI format.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli launched a brutal attack on the Proteas bowlers right from the word go. Having slammed centuries in the first two ODIs, Kohli ended the series finale with 65 not out off 45 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes.
Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 116 off 121 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes as India overhauled the target with 61 deliveries to spare, clinching the series 2-1.
Earlier in the day, India bowled out South Africa for 270 in 47.5 overs after KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bowl first. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, claiming four wickets by conceding 41 runs in 10 overs. Pacer Prasidh Krishna also broke the back of South Africa's top and middle order, returning with figures of 4 for 66 in 9.5 overs.
Cricket fraternity was effusive in praise of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s match-winning hundred in the series-decider.
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