Kohli’s Hat-Trick Hunt Lights Up Vizag ODI Thriller

Cricket lovers are bracing for a high-voltage clash as the ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium gears up to host the third and deciding ODI between India and South Africa on Saturday (December 6). The contest has gained added anticipation with fans eager to watch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in action.

Kohli’s supporters are particularly hopeful, as the star batter chases a rare hat-trick of centuries after back-to-back tons in Ranchi and Raipur. Visakhapatnam has long been regarded as a favourable venue for Kohli, who has scored three centuries and two half-centuries in seven appearances here, including an unbeaten 157, which remains the highest individual score at the stadium. With such a track record, his admirers believe another milestone innings is on the cards.

Rohit Sharma, too, brings a strong precedent, having registered three consecutive centuries earlier in his career. With both batters in good form, interest has surged among fans eager to witness the RoKo pairing live.

Adding to the excitement is the fact that this may be one of the last opportunities for Visakhapatnam spectators to see the duo together in an ODI, following their announcements to retire from Test and T20 formats.

With India and South Africa level at one win each, the outcome of Saturday’s match will decide the series. Despite posting 358 in one of the earlier games, India fell short, prompting analysts to predict an even higher-scoring contest in the final outing.

Ticket sales reflected the frenzy. Online passes were snapped up within minutes, leaving many disappointed. The rush extended beyond cricket enthusiasts, with political circles also showing unusual demand as Andhra Cricket Association president Kesineni Sivanath and secretary Sana Satish Babu currently serve as Members of Parliament.