India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI at Visakhapatnam, IND vs SA, Dec 06 2025 – Full Scorecard & In-Depth Match Analysis

The final ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa in Visakhapatnam on December 6, 2025, delivered everything modern cricket fans crave: high-class batting, intelligent bowling, tactical clarity, and the intensity of a series decider. Played at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, the clash carried significant stakes. The series was locked at 1-1, and both sides were desperate to take home the trophy.

What followed was a clinical display of all-round cricket, with India asserting dominance in nearly every department to wrap up the series with a commanding 9-wicket victory. The pitch was true, the lights added drama, and the spectators witnessed a professional chase orchestrated by a young prodigy, supported by two of India’s most seasoned campaigners. Nature & Lifestyle readers will be informed about the result of the match India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI at Visakhapatnam.

1. Pre-Match Context: Stakes, Conditions & Expectations

1.1 Series Background

Before the teams arrived in Visakhapatnam, the ODI series had been an engaging back-and-forth contest. South Africa took the first match with superior execution in the middle overs, while India bounced back strongly in the second with disciplined bowling and calculated batting. The decider thus became not merely a match but a narrative climax — a test of temperament under series pressure.

Both sides made minimal changes, trusting the units that had served them well through the series.

1.2 Venue & Pitch Overview

The ACA-VDCA Stadium has earned a reputation for:

• Balanced batting conditions
• Slow spin in the middle overs
• Dew-assisted chasing
• True bounce enabling stroke-play

Historically, the venue has been kind to batsmen under lights, making the toss an influential factor.

2. India Win the Toss: The Decision That Set the Tone

Winning the toss, India elected to field — a choice aligned with local conditions and weather forecast. Evening dew was expected to make gripping the ball difficult for bowlers, therefore favoring a chase. Moreover, India’s batting line-up, particularly when reinforced by experienced names, is known for its comfort while pursuing totals.

The decision was rooted in the following tactical considerations:

2.1 Early Seam Movement

December evenings in coastal Andhra often carry light humidity and swing-friendly air movement.

2.2 Using Spin in the Middle Overs

Spinners like Kuldeep Yadav thrive when the pitch offers mild grip before the dew sets in.

2.3 Backing the Batting Line-Up

With experienced finishers and a young opener in form, India backed their ability to track down any total, provided they restricted South Africa below 300.

3. South Africa’s Innings: A Tale of One Great Knock and Many Missed Opportunities

South Africa’s effort with the bat was competitive but insufficient. They posted 270 all out, a total that looked solid in isolation, but slightly under the par given:

• dew factor
• India’s deep batting line-up
• nature of the pitch

Let’s break down their innings.

3.1 Powerplay: Quinton de Kock Takes Charge

Quinton de Kock, entering the twilight of a legendary white-ball career, played a vintage knock.

Key statistics from his innings:

• 106 runs off 89 balls
• 8 fours, 6 sixes
• Strike rate of 119+
• Milestone: one of his finest ODI hundreds on Indian soil

His shot selection was impeccable — cuts, pulls, lofts over mid-off, and reverse sweeps — reflecting his proficiency against both pace and spin.

This century was not just fluent; it was authoritative. De Kock read Prasidh Krishna’s lengths early, countered Arshdeep Singh movement, and neutralized Kuldeep Yadav’s early turn.

3.2 Middle Overs: India Tighten the Screws

After de Kock’s dismissal, the innings began to lose shape.

Problems that emerged:

• Lack of partnerships
• Poor strike rotation against spin
• Attempts to accelerate too early
• No anchor to replace the opener

Kuldeep Yadav’s spell was the turning point. With variations, angles, and drift, he removed key middle-order batters who attempted risky strokes.

Kuldeep’s figures:

4 for 41 in 10 overs — a match-defining spell.

Prasidh Krishna also chipped in with crucial wickets, removing well-set batsmen and preventing a big partnership from blossoming.

3.3 Death Overs: Lost Momentum

Despite wickets in hand at one stage, South Africa couldn’t capitalize in the last 10 overs. India’s seamers bowled disciplined lines:

• Hard length
• Slower balls into the pitch
• Wide yorkers
• Field packed on the off-side

This restricted South Africa to a below-par finishing rate.

Final Total: 270 (47.5 overs)

Competitive, but not intimidating.

4. India’s Run Chase: Professional, Measured, Dominant

India’s reply was a masterclass in ODI chasing. The innings was anchored by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who registered his maiden ODI century, supported by veteran stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

4.1 Opening Stand: Rohit Sharma’s Controlled Brilliance

Rohit Sharma scored 75 off 73 balls, playing second fiddle early on but accelerating when needed. His innings had:

• authoritative pull shots
• precise footwork against spin
• elegant timing through cover

His experience ensured India didn’t lose momentum after a cautious start.

4.2 Jaiswal’s Maiden ODI Century: The Innings That Stole the Show

The youngest member of India’s top order produced a spectacular unbeaten century.

His innings included:

• 116 off 121 balls*
• Controlled aggression
• Smart strike rotation
• Composure under pressure
• Crisp boundary hitting

This knock demonstrated the evolution in his white-ball temperament. He didn’t just attack; he paced the innings with textbook maturity.

4.3 Virat Kohli: Finisher Mode Activated

Virat Kohli entered with India in control and ensured there were no late stumbles.

His finishing cameo:

• 65 off 45 balls*
• Intent from the start
• Exploited tiring bowlers
• Pierced gaps effortlessly

The partnership between Jaiswal and Kohli showcased the ideal blend of youth and experience.

4.4 Match-Winning Numbers

• India: 271/1 in 39.5 overs
• Won by 9 wickets
• Strike rate maintained above run-a-ball for most of the chase
• Only one wicket lost — a statement victory in a decider - full scorecard

5. Why India Won: Technical & Tactical Breakdown

Victories in ODI cricket rarely stem from one factor; it is usually an alignment of multiple elements. Here are the key reasons India dominated:

5.1 Superior Reading of Conditions

Bowling first was the correct call. The new ball had just enough movement and grip to trouble the South African top order after de Kock’s departure.

5.2 Discipline in Bowling

• Tight lines
• Variation in pace
• Smart spin utilization
• Restricting boundaries in middle overs

Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna's combined eight wickets changed the match.

5.3 Smart Batting Strategy

India avoided over-attacking early and focused on building a strong platform.

• No panic
• Rotating strike
• Punishing bad balls
• Managed run rate without chasing big moments

This is where having Rohit, Kohli, and a rising star like Jaiswal becomes invaluable.

5.4 South Africa’s Failures in Key Phases

• No middle-order consolidation
• Below-par death overs
• Lack of breakthroughs in the Powerplay
• Short, inconsistent spells from fast bowlers

6. Full Scorecard Summary (Condensed)

South Africa – 270 all out (47.5 overs)

• Quinton de Kock – 106
• Bavuma – 29
• Miller – 30
• Kuldeep Yadav – 4/41
• Prasidh Krishna – 4/66

India – 271/1 (39.5 overs)

• Rohit Sharma – 75
• Yashasvi Jaiswal – 116*
• Virat Kohli – 65*
• India win by 9 wickets

7. Player of the Match: Yashasvi Jaiswal

A maiden ODI century in a series decider is the stuff of dreams. His temperament was exemplary:

• didn’t rush
• respected good balls
• chose scoring areas wisely
• paced his innings like a seasoned pro

This innings signals his arrival not just as a T20 talent but as a long-term ODI asset.

8. Leadership Impact: KL Rahul’s Tactical Clarity

KL Rahul captained with composure.

His decisions stood out:

• Bowling first
• Using Kuldeep during the pressure phase
• Rotating seamers just before the death overs
• Setting attacking fields for new batsmen

He handled bowlers intelligently and managed the innings tempo superbly.

9. What the Result Means for India

9.1 Reinforces Bench Strength

With several seniors being rotated across formats, India showed:

• depth in bowling
• growing maturity in top-order youth
• dependable middle order

9.2 Confidence Ahead of Major Tournaments

This performance strengthens India’s white-ball roadmap toward:

• Champions Trophy
• Next ODI World Cup cycle
• Overseas limited-overs tours

9.3 Spin-Pace Balance Confirmed

India can win matches through combinations, not just raw pace or spin dominance.

10. What This Means for South Africa

10.1 Strong Start But Weak Finish

The match highlighted:

• dependence on de Kock
• middle-order inconsistency
• need for pace attack variety
• struggle against wrist spin

10.2 Areas Needing Immediate Fixing

• rotating strike in middle overs
• improving death overs batting
• bowling more disciplined lengths under dew

11. The Victory in Broader ODI Context

India’s win demonstrated the evolving nature of ODI cricket:

• Chasing is becoming increasingly advantageous with dew.
• Teams with balanced bowling attacks thrive.
• Wrist spin remains a defining factor in the middle overs.
• Young batters with mature heads are shaping the future.

This match serves as a case study in modern 50-over cricket strategy.

12. Fan Impact: A Memorable Night in Vizag

For spectators at the stadium and millions watching worldwide, this match offered:

• A thrilling de Kock century
• A debut-like freshness from Jaiswal
• Vintage Rohit and Kohli strokes
• A disciplined bowling masterclass

Cricket in Visakhapatnam continues to produce unforgettable moments.

13. Final Verdict: A Complete Dominance in a Series Decider

The India vs South Africa 3rd ODI at Visakhapatnam will be remembered for India’s clinical approach. A 9-wicket victory in the final match of a tied series is not just a win — it is a statement.

India were better:

• tactically
• technically
• mentally

From the toss to the final boundary, India controlled the game.

The scorecard tells one story — but the deeper analysis reveals a collective, intelligent performance that underlines why India remain a powerhouse in ODI cricket.