India vs South Africa 3rd ODI Match: The final match of the series between India and South Africa will be played today in Visakhapatnam. This match is crucial for both teams. The team that wins this match will win the series.
Both matches in this ODI series so far have been high-scoring affairs, with more than 330 runs scored in each innings. In the first ODI played in Ranchi, India scored 349 runs and bowled out South Africa for 332, winning the match by 17 runs. However, in the second match played in Raipur, despite scoring 358 runs, the Indian team failed to defend the total, and South Africa won by 4 wickets.
With their win in the second match, South Africa leveled the series at 1-1, and now the decider is upon us. After the embarrassment of a 0-2 defeat in the Test series, Team India will be hoping to make some amends by winning the ODI series.
Possible Changes in Playing-11s
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who failed to perform in the opening role in both matches for the Indian team, may be dropped from the third match. Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad could open the innings in his place. Tilak Varma might get a chance at number four. Furthermore, Prasidh Krishna has been expensive in both matches, and Nitish Kumar Reddy could be included in the team in his place.
South African team would ideally not want to change their winning combination, but two players appeared to be struggling with hamstring injuries in the second ODI and did not return to the field. Those two players were Tony de Zorzi and fast bowler Nandre Burger. If both of them are not fully fit, South Africa may be forced to make two changes. Rayaan Rickelton could replace De Zorzi, and Ottniel Baartman could come in for Burger.
Visakhapatnam Pitch Report
The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is a good batting ground, offering even bounce and good pace at the start of the match, leading to easy stroke play and high scores of 270 or more. Fast bowlers benefit from seam movement and bounce early on, while spinners become more effective as the pitch slows down later in the match. The evening dew benefits the chasing team by neutralizing the spin and making the outfield faster.
Indian team has a remarkable record in ODIs at the Visakhapatnam ground, having played a total of 10 matches there. They have won 7 of those matches, while suffering only 2 defeats, with one match ending in a tie. The last time the Indian team played an ODI at this venue was in 2023 against Australia, where they suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat.
India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Tilak Varma.
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Rubin Hermann.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
India vs South Africa 3rd ODI Match will be live telecast on Star Sports Network and live streaming of the match will be available on JioHotstar app and website.
