Yashasvi Jaiswal hit 116 runs against South Africa Read the complete innings analysis, key partnerships
The Maturation of a Maverick: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Maiden ODI Ton Seals Series Win
Visakhapatnam, December 6, 2025 – The final match of the India vs. South Africa ODI series was billed as a high-stakes decider, but in the end, it became a stage for the coming-of-age of a young talent. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 23-year-old southpaw, smashed a sublime, unbeaten 116 to anchor India‘s dominant nine-wicket victory, sealing the series 2-1 and officially stamping his authority on the 50-over format.
A Measured Start and Elite Company
Chasing a competitive target of 271, set up by Quinton de Kock’s aggressive century and a disciplined Indian bowling performance led by four-wicket hauls from Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna, the pressure was immense. Jaiswal, playing in only his fourth ODI, had a shaky start in the series with scores of 18 and 22, failing to convert good starts. However, in this decisive encounter, he displayed the kind of maturity and temperament that belies his limited experience.
Jaiswal’s opening partner, the veteran Rohit Sharma, took the role of the aggressor early on. Rohit’s fluent 75 off 73 balls allowed the younger batsman to settle in. Initially cautious, Jaiswal respected the Proteas’ disciplined opening burst, especially from Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi. He rotated the strike effectively, focusing on piercing the gaps rather than forcing the pace. He was 25 off 40 balls before accelerating, moving to his fifty in 75 deliveries. The 155-run opening partnership provided the unshakable foundation for the massive chase.
The Mid-Innings Acceleration
The departure of Rohit Sharma in the 26th over, who fell to a sweep shot off Keshav Maharaj, brought the in-form Virat Kohli to the crease. This was the moment Jaiswal truly shifted gears. With the assured presence of Kohli at the other end, the left-hander opened up his stroke-play, unleashing the full repertoire of his aggressive batting.
The second half of his innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Having taken 75 balls for his first fifty, Jaiswal rocketed to his maiden ODI century off just 111 balls, scoring the second fifty in a mere 36 deliveries. He targeted the tiring fast bowlers, punishing anything slightly full or short. The drives through the covers and the cuts behind square, which he had avoided earlier, began to flow with ease, showcasing his technical refinement.
Maiden Century and Record-Breaking Feat
The milestone moment arrived in the 36th over with a single off Corbin Bosch, prompting an electrifying celebration: a mix of a sprint, a joyous leap, and a passionate roar that perfectly captured the significance of the achievement.
Jaiswal’s Innings Breakdown (116 runs off 121 balls):*
| Milestone | Balls Faced | ||
| First 50 Runs | 75 | ||
| Runs 51 to 100 | 36 | ||
| Total Innings | 121 | ||
| Boundaries | 12 Fours, 2 Sixes |
He finished his spectacular innings unbeaten on 116 from 121 balls, a knock studded with 12 fours and 2 sixes, guiding India to a win with an astonishing 10.1 overs to spare.
More significantly, this century earned Jaiswal a spot in the history books. He became only the sixth Indian batter to register a century in all three formats of international cricket (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is), joining the elite company of legends like Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill.
The Series-Sealing Partnership
The young opener’s 156-run, match-winning, unbroken second-wicket stand with Virat Kohli (a quickfire 65 not out off 45 balls) was a display of complementary batting at its finest. Kohli’s assertive stroke-play, which included six fours and three sixes, ensured the required run rate was never an issue, allowing Jaiswal the freedom to play his natural game and reach his milestone comfortably.
Yashasvi Jaiswal hit 116 runs against South Africa.
Jaiswal’s performance was not just about the runs; it was about the profound composure he showed under pressure in a series decider. It was the innings of a batsman who has evolved beyond being just a prodigious talent, demonstrating the ability to craft a match-winning hundred in a high-pressure chase. With this maiden ton, Yashasvi Jaiswal has not only secured a series victory for India but has also cemented his position as a cornerstone of India’s white-ball future.
