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The third and final ODI between India and South Africa in Visakhapatnam is a winner-takes-all affair, with the series tied at 1-1. All attention was fixed on the coin toss, which has become a source of mounting anxiety and statistical absurdity for the Indian team. Prior to the match, India suffered an extraordinary and statistically improbable streak of 20 consecutive toss defeats in the ODI format. This record run began after their last toss victory in the ICC World Cup semi-final 2023, putting immense pressure on captain KL Rahul to finally change the team’s luck.
KL Rahul’s epic celebration after breaking India’s toss curse; Temba Bavuma couldn’t stop smiling
When Rahul finally flipped the coin in the air for the decisive match, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma called ‘heads’, but the coin landed as ‘tails,’ ending the agonizing world-record streak of 20 consecutive ODI toss losses. The moment the result was confirmed, relief washed over Rahul, who let out a huge smile and performed an emphatic fist pump in the air, a rare and joyous display of emotion for the usually reserved captain.
The sheer improbability of the run led the crowd in Vizag to erupt in stunned joy and celebration, with India’s players on the sidelines also jumping in delight at the sight of the streak finally being broken. South Africa captain Bavuma, who had been calling correctly for most of the previous games, could not hide his own amusement and was seen smiling broadly at Rahul’s over-the-top celebration. Rahul, perhaps taking a superstitious measure, had even changed his routine by reportedly using his left hand to flip the coin for the first time, a peculiar “hack” that appeared to work. Given the threat of heavy dew, which had been a critical factor in the previous matches, Rahul had no hesitation and immediately decided that India would bowl first in the series decider.
Here’s the video:
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Quinton de Kock’s blitz and Temba Bavuma’s solid knock power South Africa’s recovery in 3rd ODI
South Africa made a strong recovery in the 3rd ODI against India at Visakhapatnam, reaching 168/3 in 28.2 overs, thanks to a scintillating 93 not out from Quinton de Kock and a vital 48 from Temba Bavuma. India, who opted to field, initially struck early, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for a duck. However, de Kock played a blistering knock, hitting 8 fours and 5 sixes, with his strike rate touching 122.36, while Bavuma anchored the innings with a patient knock, adding 114 runs for the second wicket. Matthew Breetzke also contributed with a quick-fire 24 off 23 balls before being dismissed. The fall of wickets at crucial junctures, though, slowed down South Africa’s progress. India, with some tight bowling from Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna, will aim to wrap up the South African innings quickly in the second half of the match.
