India secured a convincing 9-wicket and 10 over win victory over South Africa in their third match of the three-match one-day international (ODI) series, clinching the series. Virat Kohli played a decisive role, scoring an unbeaten 65 off just 45 balls after Yashasvi Jaiswal's maiden ODI century and Rohit Sharma's 75 set up India for victory.
Kohli's match-winning performance marked a remarkable turnaround from recent struggles and he walked away with the player of the series award. He amassed 302 runs throughout the series, including two tons and an unbeaten half-century at an impressive average of 151. The 37-year-old former skipper seemed to have rediscovered his peak batting level for the first time in three years.
Rohit Sharma also played a crucial knock, reaching his 61st ODI half-century before falling to Keshav Maharaj's left-arm spinner. Jaiswal, who now boasts tons in all formats of international cricket, struggled initially but switched gears after his fifty and hit several boundaries to ease into the target.
South Africa was bowled out for 270 in 47.5 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna taking four wickets each to seal victory for India. Quinton de Kock scored 106 off 89 balls for South Africa before they collapsed after being set at 168-2.
Kohli attributed his performance to feeling free in his mind, which had been missing from his game for a while. "I don't think I've played at this level for a good two-three years now and I feel really free in my mind," he said. The veteran batsman also spoke about the importance of maintaining his standards as a player and playing according to the situation.
The ODI series win provided some consolation after India suffered a 2-0 Test whitewash by South Africa earlier this year. With two more matches left in the five-match T20 format, Kohli's form bodes well for India's chances of winning the series.
Kohli's match-winning performance marked a remarkable turnaround from recent struggles and he walked away with the player of the series award. He amassed 302 runs throughout the series, including two tons and an unbeaten half-century at an impressive average of 151. The 37-year-old former skipper seemed to have rediscovered his peak batting level for the first time in three years.
Rohit Sharma also played a crucial knock, reaching his 61st ODI half-century before falling to Keshav Maharaj's left-arm spinner. Jaiswal, who now boasts tons in all formats of international cricket, struggled initially but switched gears after his fifty and hit several boundaries to ease into the target.
South Africa was bowled out for 270 in 47.5 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna taking four wickets each to seal victory for India. Quinton de Kock scored 106 off 89 balls for South Africa before they collapsed after being set at 168-2.
Kohli attributed his performance to feeling free in his mind, which had been missing from his game for a while. "I don't think I've played at this level for a good two-three years now and I feel really free in my mind," he said. The veteran batsman also spoke about the importance of maintaining his standards as a player and playing according to the situation.
The ODI series win provided some consolation after India suffered a 2-0 Test whitewash by South Africa earlier this year. With two more matches left in the five-match T20 format, Kohli's form bodes well for India's chances of winning the series.
... it's been way too long since we've seen him perform like that! He needs to keep this momentum going though, can't let us get our hopes up only to be disappointed again 
. Anyway, proud of him for coming out on top and taking the player of the series award 
. Can't wait to see how he carries over into the T20 format 
India is on fire! I'm so stoked to see Virat Kohli back to his best 
️ he's always been an incredible batsman but it's amazing to see him rediscover his form after a few struggles 
the way he just breezed past 65 off 45 balls was pure magic 
and Rohit Sharma too! 
his knock was super crucial in setting up that win for India. I'm loving this new found confidence from Kohli, it's gonna be so exciting to see him take on the rest of the tournament 
, what a turnaround for Virat Kohli!!! He was struggling like crazy but now he's back to his peak batting level 
, and that player of the series award is well-deserved 
. I love how he attributed his performance to feeling free in his mind - it's all about confidence, you know? 
Now, let's see if he can keep this form going for the rest of the T20 matches 
! And Rohit Sharma, what a crucial knock 
. Can't wait to watch him take on England next 
!
and it's so good to see him playing like this again, he seems really free in his mind which is essential for his game 
. i mean, it's about time virat kohli showed up and did his thing again 
. that 65 off 45 balls? 
no surprises there. still gotta say tho, india's form in t20s is gonna be a major concern if they wanna take this series 
302 runs in the series? That's insane! And that player of the series award? Yeah, he definitely deserved it 
u know i love watching cricket but the commentary on espn cricinfo is just so extra 
like seriously cant they just stick to the game? and now india wins 3-0 lol congrats india but can we pls get some better stats graphics already its been ages since i saw anything visually appealing
can't wait for more cricket action! 
A maiden ODI century and now tons in all formats - the kid's on fire 
! Kohli's mind being free again is the key to his success 
️. They might just have a shot at winning it now 
. Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav's performance with the ball was top-notch 
, what more can you ask for?! 
. His game sense and mindset are on point again 
. His confidence is clear, and that's what makes him a great leader on and off the pitch 
.
and now india's series win is a great boost for them