India vs South Africa: The ODI series between India and South Africa has reached an exciting stage, with both teams preparing for a high-stakes decider at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. As the series stands level, the third ODI promises drama, pressure, and world-class cricket. The home crowd in Vizag is set to witness a thrilling encounter, especially after Virat Kohli’s outstanding form and South Africa’s exceptional fight in the first two matches.

This match India vs South Africa is more than just a series decider. It carries historical weight. India rarely loses ODI series at home. South Africa, meanwhile, is aiming for a rare double — winning both the Test series and the ODI series on Indian soil, something that has not happened in nearly four decades. Therefore, the stakes could not be higher.

In this detailed preview, we analyse the pitch, dew factor, team strategies, playing XIs, and recent performances. We also look at what makes this match one of the most anticipated ODIs of 2025.

MATCH INFO

Dew Factor Takes Centre Stage Once Again: India vs South Africa:

India vs South Africa Dew has become a decisive factor in day-night matches across India, especially in coastal venues like Visakhapatnam. This series has further highlighted how the dew impacts chasing conditions and bowling strategies.

In the first ODI, South Africa almost completed a sensational chase despite losing early wickets. Their comeback was made possible largely due to the difficulty India faced while bowling in heavy dew. The second ODI told a similar story. Even though India posted a huge total of 359, the Proteas chased it down with confidence. This trend strongly shapes expectations for the third match.

The chasing team enjoys a major advantage at Vizag. During the recently concluded Women’s World Cup held here, all five matches were won by the chasing side. In one standout performance, Australia chased 331 against India. South Africa also pulled off a remarkable chase, recovering from 81/5 to reach 252 successfully. These performances clearly show that conditions substantially improve as the evening progresses.

Thus, winning the toss could decide the match. Since India has lost consecutive tosses in this series, the pressure increases. Still, the players understand that the dew factor is not in their control. Instead, both teams must focus on adapting their strategies throughout the match.

India’s Challenge: Handle Pressure and Prevent Early Collapse

India enters this match with confidence from the batting unit, especially because Virat Kohli has produced consecutive centuries. His hunger for big scores seems stronger than ever. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad have contributed valuable runs, strengthening India’s top order.

However, India has not been tested with an early collapse in this series. If South Africa manages to take quick wickets, the pressure on India’s middle order will increase. The batting lineup, featuring KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, will need to hold its composure if early trouble arises.

Bowling remains India’s major concern. Prasidh Krishna has leaked runs, and the pace attack has lacked control in the final overs. Without an additional pacer in the squad, India must make the most of Arshdeep Singh’s swing, Harshit Rana’s aggression, and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin.

Even though India bowled out Australia for just 117 the last time an ODI was played at this venue, they must remember that the dew factor dramatically alters the pitch. If India bowls second, their bowlers will need outstanding discipline and variations.

South Africa’s Opportunity for a Historic Double

South Africa knows the magnitude of what lies ahead. Winning an ODI series and a Test series on Indian soil in the same tour is incredibly rare. Their last opportunity came nearly 40 years ago. Therefore, this match is not just about momentum but about entering cricket history.

The Proteas have shown resilience throughout this tour. Their top order has faced challenges, especially after Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger suffered hamstring injuries. These injuries force South Africa to adjust their playing XI, likely bringing in Ottneil Baartman and potentially handing Rubin Hermann an opportunity.

Matthew Breetzke, who was moved to No. 4 due to team combinations, has handled the shift well. In his own words, he feels “more comfortable” and aims to perform even better in this role. With a mix of youth and experience, including de Kock, Bavuma, Markram, Jansen, and Brevis, South Africa has the firepower to challenge India in both innings.

Their bowling attack looks sharp, with Ngidi, Maharaj, and Jansen in strong form. Additionally, if the ball moves under lights, they can trouble India early.

Match Details: India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025

• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Time: 1:30 PM IST
• Venue: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
• Weather: Clear skies expected
• Conditions: Batting-friendly in the first innings, dew-dominated in the second

What to Expect at the Vizag Venue

India vs South Africa Visakhapatnam has always been a high-scoring ground in ODI cricket. Two ODIs played here between India and the West Indies in the past produced massive totals. Although the pitch can assist spinners early, it becomes flatter as the game progresses.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Spinners dominate early overs.
• Pacers struggle later in the night due to wet ball conditions.
• Chasing teams have a strong advantage.
• Power hitters enjoy batting at Vizag, with a relatively short boundary on one side.

Given these conditions, both teams will be eager to bowl first, hoping to avoid the hardships of defending a total.

Probable Playing XIs: India vs South Africa

India is likely to continue with an unchanged eleven, especially after Gaikwad’s impressive performance at No. 4.

India

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

Key Strengths for India:

• Kohli’s outstanding record at Vizag
• Depth in the middle order
• Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket-taking ability
• Jadeja’s all-round consistency

Key Concerns:

• Death bowling
• Lack of backup pacers
• Early-wicket vulnerability

South Africa

Injuries are forcing two changes in the playing XI. Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger are unavailable.

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

Key Strengths for South Africa:

• Strong new-ball attack
• Varied spin and pace combination
• Proven ability to chase under pressure
• Jansen and Brevis adding depth

Key Concerns:

• Middle-order fragility
• Recent injuries
• Inconsistent opening partnerships

Did You Know? Interesting Stats Ahead of the 3rd ODI: India vs South Africa

• India has the most ODI wins globally since 2023, highlighting dominance in this format.
• Virat Kohli’s incredible Vizag ODI scores: 118, 117, 99, 65, 157*, 0, 31.
• Five of Jaiswal’s last six dismissals across two Tests and two ODIs have been against left-arm seamers.
• South Africa has not won a bilateral ODI series in India in decades.

These numbers create a fascinating backdrop for the decider.

India vs South Africa What Both Captains Will Be Thinking

KL Rahul (India)

Rahul understands how crucial the toss is. However, he will also focus on strengthening India’s bowling plan. With Kohli in form, Rahul will want the top order to build stability. If India bats first, posting a target of 340+ may be necessary to challenge the Proteas.

Temba Bavuma (South Africa)

Bavuma sees this as a historic opportunity. Therefore, he will encourage his bowlers to apply pressure early. If his team gets early breakthroughs, they can control the match. Additionally, Bavuma will back his young middle order to step up when required.

India vs South Africa: Final Prediction: Who Has the Edge?

Considering the conditions, the dew factor heavily favours the team that chases. South Africa have already shown they can chase big scores. However, India’s experience at home and their star players’ form make them extremely strong contenders.

If India wins the toss and bowls first, they hold a slight edge. But if South Africa gets to chase, they could push India into a tough position.

Either way, fans can expect high-scoring action, intense competition, and a thrilling finish.