Quinton de Kock's ton stands alone as Proteas out spun for 270 in ODI series decider in Vizag

Quinton de Kock’s 23rd ODI century was the mainstay of the Proteas’ innings in the third and final ODI against India in Vizag on Saturday.

After a tentative start against India’s impressive new-ball bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, De Kock found his rhythm as he stroked 106 off just 89 balls (8x4, 6x6). But apart from captain Temba Bavuma’s 48 (67 balls, 5x4), with the pair adding 113 for the second wicket, there was no adequate support for De Kock as the Proteas were bowled out for 270.

Matthew Breetzke (24) and Dewald Brevis (29) showed promise, but could not convert their starts into innings of substance. 

The initial damage was done by Indian seamer Prasidh Krishna (3/59), who accounted for both Breetzke and Aiden Markram, that swung the momentum towards the home side after Rohit Sharma had won the toss and elected to insert the Proteas. 

But it was the introduction of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav that hurt the Proteas the most. The leading wicket-taker in the series claimed 4/41 in his allotted 10 overs as he ran through the visitors’ much-vaunted middle-to-lower order. 

He was not afraid to give the ball air to gain maximum benefit of the surface and was rewarded bountifully for his efforts. 

It was the 11th time Yadav has taken four wickets or four in an ODI innings, with only Australia’s leg-spinner Adam Zampa having achieved the distinction two more times than Yadav since his debut.