Target 271! Kuldeep–Krishna’s Four-fer Stormed Away SA’s Middle Order after QDK’s Brilliant TON | India vs South Africa 3rd ODI

South Africa were handed the unfamiliar challenge of batting first in the series, and the outcome exposed their long-standing middle-order fragility. Despite a classy century from Quinton de Kock and a stable partnership at the top, the visitors folded for 270 in 47.5 overs, leaving India a chase of 271 that feels well within reach on a good surface.

The innings began on a sour note for South Africa. Ryan Rickelton departed in the very first over without opening his account, edging Arshdeep Singh behind. With early pressure applied by the Indian pacers, it was Quinton de Kock and captain Temba Bavuma who steadied the ship. The duo showed composure and intent in equal measure, rotating strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries. Their 100-plus stand for the second wicket became the backbone of South Africa’s innings.

De Kock looked in complete control. Timing the ball sweetly through the offside and clearing the ropes when required, he marched towards his seventh ODI hundred against India. Bavuma played the perfect supporting role, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 48 before Ravindra Jadeja broke the partnership. Even after the skipper’s dismissal, de Kock pressed on, maintaining momentum and giving South Africa hope of a total well beyond 300.

The match turned dramatically once Prasidh Krishna returned for his second spell. After conceding runs early, Prasidh showed character and discipline. He removed Matthew Breetzke with a sharp lbw decision, dismissed Aiden Markram cheaply, and then produced the big breakthrough by rattling de Kock’s stumps for 106. That single blow shifted the momentum decisively in India’s favour.

From that point on, Kuldeep Yadav took complete control. The left-arm wrist spinner found drift and bite, exposing South Africa’s lower middle order with ease. Brevis, Jansen, Bosch, and Ngidi all fell trying to force the pace, as Kuldeep finished with an excellent four-wicket haul. South Africa slipped from 199 for 4 to 235 for 7 in no time, and never truly recovered.

Keshav Maharaj’s unbeaten 20 added some respectability, but the innings ended before completing 50 overs. On a surface that offered value for shots and with dew not expected to be significant, 270 appears below par. India will back themselves strongly while South Africa are left reflecting on another collapse after a promising start.

Batting Scorecard South Africa

Bowling Scorecard India