What is India’s record in ODI series deciders?

India are set to face South Africa in the third and final ODI of the three-match series on December 06, 2025, in Visakhapatnam. With the series level at 1-1, India winning the opener in Ranchi and the Proteas bouncing back in Raipur, the contest now moves to a decisive final game.

Historically, India have excelled in ODI series deciders, showcasing strong temperament under pressure. The Men in Blue have won 23 ODI series deciders, with one of the most recent victories coming against South Africa in their own backyard in 2023.

In that 2023 series, India dominated the opening match with an eight-wicket win, before South Africa responded strongly to square the series. However, in the crucial decider at Paarl, a young and determined Indian side produced a clinical performance, securing a 78-run victory to seal the series.

In the current ODI series against South Africa, the hosts won the first match by 17 runs. Chasing a big total, India posted 349/7, powered by a brilliant 135 off 120 balls from Virat Kohli, while Rohit Sharma contributed 57 and KL Rahul added 60. South Africa’s pacers shared the wickets evenly, with each taking two, but the Proteas were eventually bowled out for 332. Matthew Breetzke scored 72, Marco Jansen 70, and Corbin Bosch 67. From the Indian bowling side, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav stood out with 4/68, playing a crucial role in restricting the opposition.

In the second match, the Men in Blue posted 358/7, with Virat Kohli scoring 102, Ruturaj Gaikwad hitting a century (105), and Rahul remaining unbeaten on 66. Marco Jansen again picked up 2/63 in his 10-over spell. Despite the big target, South Africa successfully chased it in 49.2 overs, with Aiden Markram scoring 110,  Matthew Breetzke 68, and Dewald Brevis 54. India’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, with most going beyond seven runs per over, which proved costly in the high-scoring encounter.