IND vs SA – WATCH: Kuldeep Yadav castles Andile Phehlukwayo with ferocious leg-spin

After picking one wicket each in the first two ODIs against South Africa, India wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav put on a phenomenal show in the third game, registering his career-best figures in home conditions. He decimated South Africa’s lower middle order as the visitors got bundled out for a mere 99.

After Kuldeep’s 4-18, it was Shubman Gill who played a knock of 49 (57) that helped India to defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the series decider at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. With this win, India also equalled Australia’s record for the most international wins across formats in a calendar year.

First four-wicket haul for Kuldeep at home

This was the sixth time Kuldeep claimed four or more wickets in an ODI. Notably, five of these hauls came away from home.

The left-hander bagged the prized scalps of Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jansen, Bjorn Foruin and Anrich Nortje. But, the wicket of Phehlukwayo was the talking point of the match.

It all happened in the 20th over of the first innings. On the third delivery, Phehlukwayo hit a boundary through the square leg region. The very next ball, he could not pick the wrong’un and was castled by Kuldeep.

The left-handed batter had to depart at a low score of 5.

Here’s the video:

ICYMI! @imkuldeep18 & Shahbaz Ahmed hit the woodwork! 👌 👌 #TeamIndia

South Africa lose Andile Phehlukwayo & Heinrich Klaasen.

Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/XyFdjVrL7K

Don’t miss the LIVE coverage of the #INDvSA match on @StarSportsIndia. pic.twitter.com/U8r2N7jYai

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 11, 2022

Speaking to the commentators in the innings break, Kuldeep highlighted the efforts he has been putting into his bowling since IPL 2022.

“Feeling happy to take four wickets, have taken four wickets after such a long time. I was trying something different before IPL, and I am enjoying my bowling since then. I missed the hat-trick, could have bowled quicker. Should have changed the angle,” said Kuldeep.

“The wicket was gripping, I tried to bowl seam-up deliveries, tried to mix it up with the pace, tried to set up the batters. I was working on my rhythm, I was a bit slower before my injury. I am not compromising with spin, just trying to work on my rhythm,” he added.