Yashasvi Jaiswal Hits Maiden ODI Century as India Seal Series Win Over South Africa

Yashasvi Jaiswal produced a defining innings in his young career as India defeated South Africa by nine wickets to secure a two to one victory in the one day international series on Saturday. His unbeaten century overshadowed a spirited effort from Quinton de Kock and completed a strong comeback for India following their two nil defeat in the test series. The match also came with an unusual statistic. India finally won an ODI toss for the first time in almost two years, ending a run that stretched back to the 2023 Cricket World Cup semifinal.

South Africa elected to bat after winning the toss, and the early stages of the match suggested a high scoring contest. Quinton de Kock, in one of his most fluent displays, registered the twenty third ODI century of his career, reaching three figures in only eighty balls. He found reliable support from captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed forty eight, and from Matthew Breetzke who kept the scoring rate brisk. At one stage, with the score at 168 for two and de Kock in full flow, the home side looked capable of pushing beyond 350.

However, the match turned dramatically when medium pacer Prasidh Krishna returned for a second spell. Having struggled in his earlier overs and conceding close to ten runs an over in the series, he appeared under pressure. Yet the team management persisted with him, and the decision proved crucial. Prasidh removed Breetzke for twenty four and dismissed Aiden Markram for one in the same over. De Kock completed his seventh century against India shortly after, launching a powerful six over square leg, but Prasidh struck again, hitting the top of off stump to end the South African opener’s innings at 106. In the space of three overs, Prasidh collected three wickets for only nine runs, breaking the hosts’ momentum and pulling India back into the contest.

With South Africa suddenly losing control, Kuldeep Yadav took charge of the later stages of the innings. Using flight and turn expertly, he dismantled the tail and finished with four for 41. The home side, once poised for a huge total, were bowled out for 270 in 47.5 overs.

Chasing 271, India approached the target with confidence and composure. Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma gave India an ideal start, combining for an opening stand of 155 runs. Their partnership ensured that India always kept ahead of the required run rate. Rohit looked fluent throughout his innings, striking 75 from 73 balls before attempting a slog sweep against Keshav Maharaj. The shot did not connect cleanly and he was caught at deep square leg, leaving India in a dominant position.

Jaiswal continued unfazed, pacing his innings with maturity that belied his experience. He reached his first one day international century from 111 balls, a moment welcomed warmly by the Indian dressing room. His shot selection and control against both pace and spin demonstrated the widening range in his batting, and the ability to construct long innings in the fifty over format.

With the foundation set, Virat Kohli entered and produced a commanding display. Fresh from a consistent run through the series, Kohli played freely and with assurance. He struck an unbeaten 65 from 45 balls, reaching his 128th ODI half century. His efforts across the three matches earned him the Player of the Series award after scoring a total of 302 runs.

Kohli later reflected on his form, saying that the most satisfying aspect was the freedom he felt while batting. He spoke about the natural phases of doubt a batter faces and expressed relief at being able to contribute consistently to the team’s success. He also noted that when he plays with a clear mind, he knows he can find the boundary and clear the ropes effectively.

India reached the target with more than ten overs to spare, completing a comfortable win and taking the series. For Jaiswal, the match marked an important statement in his ODI career. For India, it represented a strong response following their loss in the test series and a confident step into the upcoming five match Twenty20 series that begins in Cuttack on Tuesday.