India has had fluctuating fortunes, which continued this week as the ODI series against South Africa shifted from initial dominance to a sudden setback.

This reflects the patterns that have defined the team’s end-of-year narrative. Millions of fans are closely following every development and batting session, including cricket fans abroad. For example, those who compare different sportsbooks in the UAE, Asia, and Southern Africa track odds and match trends to make informed wagering decisions, which has been tough with such a tumultuous test series. But, the three-match contest is now heading to the finale, where either India or South Africa will come out on top.

The series opened with a strong Indian performance. In the first ODI, played at the end of November, Virat Kohli produced a masterful 135 while Rururaj Gaikwad hit a century. This helped Inda post a formidable 358/5. KL Rahul added 66 in a strong finish as India’s top order dominated South Africa’s attack.

Rohit Sharma’s start in the play set the tone, and South Africa was visibly rattled early on. Although the Proteas bowlers regained control after the initial dominance from India, Marco Jansen’s highlights were the only highlights of an otherwise difficult outing for the visitors. South Africa faltered in the opening overs, but a partnership between Jansen and Mathew Breetzke briefly threatened to revive their hopes before India secured victory to go up 1-0.

The second ODI in Raipur, just two days after the first, had a very different script. India, remarkably, lost their 20th consecutive toss. This losing streak extends back to the 2023 World Cup. South Africa’s returning captain, Temba Bavum, opted to bowl in conditions expected to improve under lights. KL Rahul acknowledged the losing pattern with a wry smile, noting India “haven’t won the toss for a long time”.

Indian batting was strong during the second ODI. Kohli and Gaikwad repeated their prior performance, scoring 102 and 105 respectively, and putting up a 195-run stand for the third wicket. Rahul’s unbeaten 66 powered India to a total of 358/6, almost identical to their first match finish. The pitch, however, delivered an inconsistent bounce, which made it tough for the bowlers.

South Africa’s performance was way more assured than in the series opener. Aiden Markram anchored the innings with an exceptional 110. Dewald Brevis then dramatically changed the momentum, hitting a 34-ball 54 to put India in a panic. Although Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh struck in quick succession to get rid of Brevis and Breetzke, India could not contain the surge.

Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 29 off 15 balls, capped by a boundary in the final over, secured a record-equalling chase of 359. This is the highest ever against India at home and the joint-sixth biggest in ODI history.

The victory brought South Africa level at 101. The final ODI in Visakhapatnam will decide the series. This result comes at a time when the Indian team is facing increasing local scrutiny, especially after a shocking 0-2 Test series defeat against the Proteas in November, their first home loss to South Africa in 25 years.