India vs South Africa: India made South Africa suffer a heavy defeat by nine wickets in the third ODI match and thus took the series 2-1 home. It was Yashasvi Jaiswal who lit the fire with a magnificent 100 runs in his very first ODI innings. Then Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma just walked India to the target in a most elegant and overpowering fashion. South Africa was completely out of the game and had no response to this.
Jaiswal Ignites, Kohli Finishes, India Dominates
Jaiswal began steadily but shifted gears with maturity, raising his first ODI hundred with raw emotion. His shot selection grew sharper, and his partnership with Rohit flowed beautifully. Rohit blasted 75, guiding the youngster while keeping the scoring brisk. The dismissal of the captain brought Virat Kohli into a stadium already vibrating with chants of his name. He was at his usual best, and in a typical fashion of his style, he hit the ball very hard, performed a no-look six, and scored a rapid fifty that almost single-handedly took the match away from South Africa.
Earlier, both Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna grabbed four wickets apiece to completely dismantle the visitors, propelling them to a total of 270 runs only, notwithstanding Quinton de Kock’s valiant hundred. India was in charge of the game rhythm, tempo, and intensity all the time.
A Confidence Reset for India’s White-Ball Plans
This win helps India move past the Test disappointment and re-establish confidence in their ODI foundation. Jaiswal’s breakthrough gives great flexibility to the top order for the next campaigns. Rohit and Kohli showed good control and confidence which is very positive as the batting mainstay is still of an elite level. India is definitely in the driving seat when it comes to the short format series which is starting very shortly.
Author’s Opinion
India’s blend of fresh fire and seasoned calm looks dangerous again, and if this balance holds, 2026 could mark a major resurgence in white-ball dominance.
