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NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal reeled off an unbeaten maiden ODI hundred, carrying India to a nine-wicket victory in the third and final one-dayer and a 2-1 series win against South Africa on Saturday.

It was always a matter of margin once Jaiswal (116 not out, 121 balls) and senior opener Rohit Sharma (75, 73 balls) stitched 155 runs in 25.5 overs. India finished comfortably at 271 for one in 39.5 overs, chasing 271, with Virat Kohli contributing a classy 65 not out off 45 deliveries.

De Kock shines but India dominates

Quinton de Kock made a fine 106 off 89 balls, his 23rd ODI century, but it remained a footnote as India dictated the match with authority.

Jaiswal was a little unsettled early on, but the steady presence of Rohit at the other end proved invaluable.
Rohit guided the youngster through some early turbulent phases while also doing the bulk of the scoring. The 38-year-old reached his fifty in 54 balls, adding aggressive touches with three sixes off his patented swivel pulls.

This allowed Jaiswal to collect runs at a measured pace, reaching his fifty in 75 balls. Once settled, he opened up with elegant drives and confident cuts, showcasing his full range of shots.

Jaiswal reaches maiden century

Rohit, who became the fourth Indian batter to cross 20,000 international runs during his knock, looked set for another hundred but fell for 75 after an ill-timed sweep off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Jaiswal, undeterred, kept India’s innings moving alongside Kohli. The 23-year-old reached his three-figure mark in 111 balls with a single off pacer Corbin Bosch, celebrating with a mix of sprint, jump, roar, and fist pump.
Jaiswal and Kohli added 156 runs for the second wicket as India calmly surpassed the target, creating a frenzy among the near 27,000-strong crowd.

India’s bowlers also played a key role in restricting South Africa to a chaseable total, led by pacer Prasidh Krishna (4/66) and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4/41).

After Arshdeep Singh removed Ryan Rickelton early, De Kock and skipper Temba Bavuma (48, 67 balls) put on 113 for the second wicket, giving South Africa a healthy position.

De Kock attacked Prasidh early on, punishing errant lengths for 18 runs in a single over. The left-hander moved to fifty in 42 balls and completed his hundred in 79.

India found temporary relief when Ravindra Jadeja induced a false shot from Bavuma, caught by Kohli at point.

Prasidh and Kuldeep turn the tide

A 54-run partnership between De Kock and Matthew Breetzke forced India to bring back Prasidh for a second spell. It proved decisive as he dismantled South Africa’s top and middle order in 4-0-11-3.

Breetzke was trapped plumb in front, and four balls later Markram chipped one to Kohli at short covers. Prasidh then castled De Kock, leaving South Africa reeling at 199 for five.

Once the top and middle order were removed, Kuldeep (4/41) mopped up the tail, preventing South Africa from reaching a par total on a challenging track.

(With PTI Inputs)