Kuldeep, Prasidh Share Eight Wickets to Restrict South Africa to 270 Despite De Kock Century
India bowlers stage brilliant comeback after opening onslaught; De Kock slams 7th ODI ton against India in series decider
Visakhapatnam, December 6, 2025 – India staged a remarkable bowling comeback through Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna, restricting South Africa to 270 in 47.5 overs despite a brilliant century from Quinton de Kock in the series-deciding third ODI at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The Indian bowlers shared eight wickets equally, with both Kuldeep Yadav (4/41) and Prasidh Krishna (4/66) producing match-turning spells to deny South Africa a commanding total after they appeared set for 300-plus at one stage.
After India finally won their first ODI toss in 21 attempts, captain KL Rahul opted to bowl first, banking on dew playing a factor later in the evening. The decision paid immediate dividends as Arshdeep Singh dismissed Ryan Rickelton for a first-ball duck in the opening over.
However, what followed was a masterclass from veteran wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who slammed his 23rd ODI century and seventh against India. De Kock’s aggressive 106 off 89 balls, studded with eight boundaries and six maximums, threatened to take the game away from the hosts.
De Kock found an able partner in skipper Temba Bavuma, as the duo stitched together a crucial 113-run partnership for the second wicket. Bavuma contributed a steady 48 off 67 deliveries before falling to Ravindra Jadeja in the 21st over, caught by Virat Kohli at point just two runs short of his half-century.
De Kock continued his assault, particularly punishing Prasidh Krishna in his initial spell. The pacer conceded 27 runs in his first two overs as De Kock hammered him for two sixes and a boundary. The left-hander reached his fifty in just 42 balls and accelerated further, bringing up his century in 79 deliveries with a six off Harshit Rana.
The turning point came when captain Rahul brought back Prasidh for a second spell—a masterstroke that changed the complexion of the innings. The tall pacer struck twice in the 29th over, removing Matthew Breetzke (24) and last-match centurion Aiden Markram (1) in quick succession to leave South Africa wobbling at 170 for 4.
Three overs later, Prasidh delivered the knockout blow, clean bowling de Kock with a yorker as the opener attempted an aggressive cross-batted shot to a full-length delivery. The dismissal triggered a collapse, with South Africa suddenly reeling at 199 for 5.
From there, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav took complete control, running through the South African tail with his guile and variations. He struck twice in the 40th over, removing Dewald Brevis (29) and Marco Jansen (17) in the space of three balls. Kuldeep added two more scalps—Corbin Bosch (9) and Lungi Ngidi (1)—to finish with impressive figures.
Prasidh returned to claim the final wicket of Ottneil Baartman for 3, sealing a remarkable turnaround. His second spell figures read 5.5-0-39-4, a stark contrast to his expensive opening burst.
Keshav Maharaj remained unbeaten on 20, adding some valuable runs at the death, but South Africa fell well short of what seemed a par score on the batting-friendly Visakhapatnam surface.
India’s fightback was built on discipline, smart captaincy, and the ability of their two key bowlers to execute under pressure. Arshdeep Singh (1/36) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/50) provided crucial support with economical spells.
India now need 271 runs to win the series 2-1, with the match evenly poised as the hosts prepare to chase under lights with dew expected to play a significant role. The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will look to provide a strong start, while Virat Kohli, fresh from consecutive centuries in the first two matches, will be eyeing a record third successive ton.
The series has been a thrilling contest, with India winning the opener by 17 runs before South Africa bounced back with a four-wicket victory in the second ODI. The decider promises to be a fitting finale to an entertaining series.
Brief Scores:
South Africa: 270 all out in 47.5 overs (Quinton de Kock 106, Temba Bavuma 48; Kuldeep Yadav 4/41, Prasidh Krishna 4/66)
India: Yet to bat
Match Details:
Venue: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Toss: India won and elected to field
Series: Levelled 1-1
