IND vs SA: The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa now heads into a thrilling finale in Visakhapatnam this Saturday.
With the series level at 1-1—India sealing the opener in Ranchi and South Africa roaring back in Raipur—both sides enter the decider with confidence and momentum.
This series has been a paradise for batters: big totals, iconic partnerships, and history-defining chases.
India posted 349/8 in the 1st ODI—their 2nd-highest ODI total against South Africa. They went even bigger next game with 358/5, yet South Africa stunned everyone by chasing down 359, equalling the highest successful chase against India in ODI history.
With the pitch expected to favour stroke-play again, the sport’s two modern greats — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—have golden opportunities to rewrite record books.
Milestones Awaiting Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been in breathtaking form throughout the series, smashing back-to-back centuries and dominating with unmatched consistency. As he steps into the 3rd ODI, several major achievements are well within his reach:
Records Kohli Can Break in Visakhapatnam
✔ First Indian to record two streaks of three consecutive ODI centuries
Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma currently have one such streak each. Another century here — and Kohli stands alone in Indian cricket history.
✔ First player ever to score FOUR consecutive ODI centuries vs South Africa
He smashed a ton the last time these teams met in the 2023 World Cup. One more, and he will become the only cricketer in the world to achieve this against the Proteas.
✔ Another record partnership with Rohit Sharma
If Kohli and Rohit add 100+ runs for the 21st time, they will move to 2nd on the all-time ODI century partnerships list — surpassing Sangakkara & Dilshan (20).
Only Tendulkar & Ganguly (26) remain ahead.
Kohli is batting with supreme confidence — and history is calling.
Rohit Sharma Heading Toward Big Landmarks
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain and run-machine in ODIs, also has massive records in sight:
Records Rohit Can Achieve
✔ Needs 120 runs to surpass Jacques Kallis and climb to 8th among the highest ODI run-scorers of all time
✔ Only 62 runs away from reaching 5,000 ODI runs in India
If achieved, Rohit will become just the 3rd Indian to do so:
| Rank | Player | ODI Runs in India |
| 1️⃣ | Sachin Tendulkar | 6976 |
| 2️⃣ | Virat Kohli | 6562 |
| 3️⃣ | 🚩 Rohit Sharma (closing in) | 5000* soon |
Becoming part of this elite club will be a monumental milestone in Rohit’s illustrious home career.
What to Expect in the Final ODI?
- High scores ✔
- Power-packed centuries ✔
- A battle of elite batting ✔
- Several records tumbling ✔✔✔
Both Kohli and Rohit are in dazzling touch, and Visakhapatnam could witness a historic chapter written in front of roaring fans.
Cricket lovers — fasten your seatbelts. The decider promises fireworks and a chance to see legends add new milestones to their legacy.
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When is the 3rd ODI between India and South Africa being played?
The match will be played on Saturday in Visakhapatnam, and it will decide the winner of the three-match ODI series.
What major records can Virat Kohli break in this match?
Kohli can become:
• The first Indian with two streaks of three back-to-back ODI centuries
• The only player in cricket history with four consecutive ODI tons vs South Africa
He also has a chance to surpass partnership achievements with Rohit Sharma.
How many century partnerships do Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have together?
They currently have 20 century stands in ODIs. One more will take them to 2nd place on the all-time list.