Jaiswal's ton, Rohit's 75, Kohli's unbeaten 65 guide India to series-clinching win over South Africa

The victory was marked by two defining moments — captain KL Rahul’s animated celebration after winning India’s first toss in 21 matches and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal leaping with joy on reaching his maiden ODI hundred.

Rahul’s fist-pumping reaction at the toss reflected its importance, especially under lights where the dew factor heavily influences the game. Sent in to chase 271, India’s top order delivered one of its most composed performances in recent ODI history.

Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (116 not out off 121 balls) and Rohit Sharma (75 off 73) stitched together a commanding 155-run partnership.

Their stand combined caution with clean striking as they punished loose deliveries without taking unnecessary risks.

Jaiswal drove Marco Jansen to the boundary and later lofted Lungi Ngidi over long-off for a six, while Rohit counterattacked with his trademark pulls and lofted strokes.

Rohit’s departure brought a rousing reception for Virat Kohli, and the former captain obliged with a sublime unbeaten 65 off 45 balls, ensuring India cruised home in the 40th over with nine wickets in hand.

Quinton de Kock's century

Earlier, South Africa posted 270 in 47.5 overs, powered by a brilliant 106 from Quinton de Kock, his 23rd ODI century and seventh against India.

The visitors recovered from early pressure after Arshdeep Singh removed Ryan Rickelton for a duck, thanks to de Kock’s 113-run stand with Temba Bavuma.

India’s bowlers staged an impressive comeback after South Africa appeared set for a bigger total.

Prasidh Krishna bounced back strongly with a four-wicket haul, including key strikes in his second spell that removed Breetzke, Markram and de Kock.

Kuldeep Yadav, too, was exceptional, taking four wickets and breaking the middle order’s resistance with sharp turn and control.

The disciplined bowling display ensured South Africa fell short of 300 — a total that would have been necessary on a batting-friendly surface.

With Jaiswal announcing himself in grand fashion, Kohli displaying vintage fluency and India finally winning a crucial toss, the hosts closed out the series in emphatic style.