Overview:
Across 96 ODI showdowns between India and South Africa, the Proteas hold the edge with 52 wins, while the Men in Blue have finished on top 41 times.
India and South Africa will face off in the series decider at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 06. The series is levelled at 1-1.
India took the lead early with a triumph in Ranchi, powered by Virat Kohli’s majestic 52nd ODI century and steady top-order support from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. The home bowling attack then held firm in the death overs, stopping South Africa’s late surge to secure a victory in the opening contest.
The second ODI saw South Africa turn the tables in style in Raipur. Markram’s commanding 110, alongside key contributions from Breetzke and Brevis, powered a memorable chase of 359. India had earlier piled up 358 for 5 on the with Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring hundreds, but the hosts were outplayed in a high-scoring thriller, making it 1-1.
Pitch report
Batters will dominate at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, but spin will become a key factor once the pitch slows down. With an average first-innings score of about 233, teams winning the toss generally prefer to bowl.
IND vs SA ODI head-to-head record
Across 96 ODI showdowns between India and South Africa, the Proteas hold the edge with 52 wins, while the Men in Blue have finished on top 41 times. Three fixtures ended without a result.
| Matches Played | South Africa won | India won | No Result/Tied |
| 96 | 52 | 41 | 3 |
IND vs SA probable top performers
Key batter to watch out for: Virat Kohli
All eyes will again be on Virat Kohli, who is India’s premier batter going into the decider against South Africa. The right-hander has scored two successive three-figure scores. His masterclass in Ranchi set up a win before his 102 in Raipur couldn’t stop a four-wicket defeat. The 37-year-old stalwart will back himself to deliver once more.
Key Bowler to Watch Out For: Marco Jansen
Marco Jansen has been South Africa’s standout performer with the ball and could play a decisive role in the next outing. He has four wickets from two ODIs, conceding 6.95 per over, and has repeatedly asked questions with the new ball. His use of the bouncer has particularly bothered India’s top order. Even if the wicket tilts towards the batters, Jansen will look to maintain his momentum and deliver impactful spell in the first ten overs.
IND vs SA Match Prediction
Scenario 1
India win the toss and opt to bowl first
40-60: Powerplay
270-300: Final score
India win the match
Scenario 2
South Africa win the toss and opt to bowl first
45-55: Powerplay
275-290:Final score
South Africa win the match
IND vs SA probable XI
India:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (w/c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa:
Quinton de Kock (w), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke,Nandre Burger, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi