🏏South Africa tour of India 2025: India vs SA - 3rd ODI🏏

🏏South Africa tour of India 2025: India vs SA - 3rd ODI at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam on 06/12/2025 at 1:30 PM IST🏏

It's no surprise that dew has taken centerstage in this series as it often does in this part of the world, especially in a format where it often is the difference between the team that bats first and the team that chases. South Africa almost pulled off a stunning heist in the first ODI despite losing half their side in meek fashion. In the second, they went past the finishing line despite being asked to hunt down 359 by India.

The fact that the home side keep losing the toss hasn't helped their case either. Given that is in nobody's control, the challenge for both teams going into this series decider remains the same. Visakhapatnam played host to five games in the recently-concluded Women's World Cup. On all five occasions, the chasing team ended up winning. Australia chased down 331 in a fixture against the hosts and South Africa recovered from 81/5 to chase 252. That's a clear indication of what to expect late in the evening.

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:30 PM local time

Where: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam

What to expect: Clear skies for starters. In the last ODI played here, India bowled Australia out for just 117. But the preceding two ODIs - both between India and West Indies were high-scoring.

Team News

India

The home side will see no reason to change especially after Gaikwad impressing at No.4 in the last game. Prasidh Krishna has leaked runs but India do not have a backup pacer in their squad. So in all likelihood, India will go in with an unchanged XI for the third straight game.

Probable XI: Yashavi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa

The visitors will be forced to make a couple of changes after Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger were hampered by hamstring injuries in the last game. While Ottneil Baartman will be expected to return to the XI, South Africa will have to take a call on de Zorzi's replacement. If they do not want to disturb their balance, Rubin Hermann might be given a go.

Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman

IND vs SA Probable Top Performers of the match

Probable Best Batter - Virat Kohli

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli could be the best batter in the upcoming clash against South Africa. Kohli has been in scintillating form throughout the series so far, hammering back-to-back tons. While his century in Ranchi took India over the line, his knock of 102 in the second ODI in Raipur went in vain as the Men in Blue faced a four-wicket defeat. However, the 37-year-old will be looking forward to this decider game and will be confident to bat the same way he did in the previous two games.

Probable Best Bowler - Marco Jansen

South African all-rounder Marco Jansen could be the best bowler in the upcoming game of the series. In two games, the left-arm seamer has picked four wickets at an economy of 6.95. Jansen has been brilliant with the new ball and troubled the Indians with his short deliveries. Despite the surface being a batting paradise, the 25-year-old will be looking to continue his fine form and pick early wickets.

Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

ACA-VDCA Stadium Pitch Report

Dew has been a huge talking point in both matches thus far, particularly in the second ODI in Raipur where South Africa equalled the record for the highest succesfull run chase against India in the format. In the first, South Africa nearly chased down 350. One can expect a similarly high-scoring match with weather expected to not interfere during the match or while preparing the pitch in the run-up to it.

Toss is set to play a big role once again, with dew expected to make an appearance after sunset. The effect of dew has been exacerbated by the new rule which mandates for the same ball to be used between overs 34 and 50. South Africa very clearly accelarated while chasing after the 35th over, with India briefly gaining control when they managed to get the ball changed around the 40-over mark before losing it again.

Visakhapatnam Weather Report

According to AccuWeather, temperatures during the match will range from 27°C in the morning to 28°C in the afternoon, before dropping to around 11°C by evening, making for a chilly end to the day. As in much of India, the air quality index (AQI) is forecast to be “very unhealthy”. Cloud cover will remain but no rain is predicted for Saturday.

We HAVE TO WIN this match AT ANY COST.

All The Best Team INDIA 👍

Thank you Raji for the thread and for tagging me.

Best wishes to 'us' and for 'them' as well!!