Cricket South Africa
Quinton de Kock smashed a fluent 106 to anchor South Africa’s innings, but a late surge from India’s attack bowled the Proteas out for 270 in the series-deciding ODI in Visakhapatnam.
South Africa rode a majestic century from Quinton de Kock to post 270 all out in the third and deciding ODI in Visakhapatnam, before India’s bowlers produced a composed and calculated fightback to pull the momentum back their way.
De Kock was in full command from the outset, striking 106 off 89 balls in an innings marked by crisp timing and decisive strokeplay. His stand of 113 with captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed a steady 48, placed South Africa in a strong position after being sent in to bat. The pair rotated the strike confidently and punished anything loose, giving the Proteas the early stability they needed.
But once the partnership was broken and De Kock departed, India shifted gears. The hosts tightened their lines, slowed the scoring, and struck at regular intervals. Kuldeep Yadav’s control through the middle overs earned him 4 for 41, while Prasidh Krishna matched him with four wickets of his own, including the prized dismissal of De Kock.
Dewald Brevis (29) and Marco Jansen (17) offered brief resistance, but the pressure eventually told and the lower order folded under India’s persistent discipline. What had looked like a platform for 300 or more slowly unravelled, and South Africa were bowled out in the 48th over.
Still, De Kock’s century ensured the Proteas finished with a competitive total on a surface offering some assistance to both spin and seam. India will now need composure and intent in their chase, while South Africa will look to build on the spark provided by their opener’s standout innings.
The match remains delicately poised, with De Kock’s brilliance setting the stage for a gripping finish.
