Vizag awaits Virat Kohli's masterclass as stunning stat shows 97.83 per cent chance of hat-trick of centuries against SA in 3rd ODI

Run-machine Virat Kohli will be aiming to maintain his phenomenal run with the bat when India and South Africa meet for the third and final ODI against South Africa, which will decide the outcome of the series. Kohli has already smashed centuries in their first two ODIs played so far and will now set his sights on completing a hat-trick of hundreds. In the series opener in Ranchi, the former India captain struck phenomenal 135 runs off 120 balls, guiding his team to a 17-run victory over South Africa.

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Virat Kohli looks to complete hat-trick of tons in Vizag ODI

The batting maestro continued his century-scoring spree in the second ODI in Raipur, where he cracked 102 runs off 93 balls. Regrettably, despite his valiant effort with the bat, his century went in vain as India ultimately lost the match. The cricket caravan now moves to Vizag, a venue where Virat Kohli boasts a prolific and outstanding record with the bat. This stadium is where he has scored the most ODI runs at home, and he will undoubtedly be looking to extend this fine record. Across seven ODIs played in Vizag, Kohli has amassed a staggering 587 runs at an average of 97.83. With his current magnificent form, he will be eager to capitalize on the conditions, knowing that another strong knock could push his batting average at the venue to 100 or potentially even higher.

Virat Kohli's track record in ODIs in Vizag

118 — v Australia — 20 Oct 2010
117 — v West Indies — 2 Dec 2011
99 — v West Indies — 24 Nov 2013
65 — v New Zealand — 29 Oct 2016
157* — v West Indies — 24 Oct 2018
0 — v West Indies — 18 Dec 2019
31 — v Australia — 19 Mar 2023

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Team India is desperate to secure a victory in the third ODI to seal the series, as a win would provide a significant boost to their confidence following a challenging period against South Africa. Just last month, the Proteas inflicted a humiliating whitewash on India in the two-match Test series. While India did manage to bounce back by winning the first ODI, their performance was not entirely convincing. Although a brilliant century from Virat Kohli propelled them to a formidable total of 349/8, South Africa nearly chased down the total, ultimately falling short by only 17 runs. The second ODI saw India post an even higher score of 358/5, yet they still ended up on the losing side. South Africa successfully chased down the gigantic total with four balls to spare, leveling the series at 1-1.

Consequently, the Men in Blue will be highly focused on bouncing back and winning the third ODI to clinch the series victory. Following the conclusion of the Test and ODI matches, the focus of the tour will shift to T20 Internationals, where India and South Africa are scheduled to compete in a five-match T20I series. This series is slated to begin on December 9 in Cuttack.