As the India vs South Africa ODI series heads into a thrilling decider, the dew factor remains the biggest talking point. In both previous games, the chasing team came extremely close or crossed the finish line comfortably. This has been the trend across this part of the world, especially in evening matches.With dew expected again, the team batting second holds a huge advantage.
India Vs South Africa 3rd ODI Updates:
South Africa almost pulled off a heist in the series opener despite an early collapse.
In the second ODI, they completed a record chase of 359 even after being put in by India.
India’s repeated misfortune at the toss hasn’t helped either. But since that’s out of anyone’s control, the real challenge for both teams remains predictable: how to negotiate the conditions in the series decider in Visakhapatnam.
Historic Stakes for South Africa
This is a rare opportunity for South Africa. India rarely lose at home — and almost never lose both a Test and ODI series in the same season. The last time that happened was nearly 40 years ago, placing South Africa on the brink of something historic.
One key focus for them will be creating early pressure with the ball. Virat Kohli is in stellar form with two centuries, and Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rohit Sharma have also chipped in. But India haven’t been tested yet with early wickets down — something South Africa will surely target.
Match Details:
When: 6 December 2025, Saturday at 1:30 Pm local time
Where: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Weather: Clear skies expected
Pitch: Historically high-scoring but tricky when early wickets fall; dew likely to assist chasing sides.
Team News & Probable XIs
🇮🇳India:
India are unlikely to tinker with their combination. Ruturaj Gaikwad impressed at No.4 in the last game, Washington Sundar offers balance, and despite Prasidh Krishna leaking runs, there is no backup pacer in the squad.
Probable XI:Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna,Yashasvi Jaiswal
🇿🇦 South Africa
Injuries to Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger force changes. Ottneil Baartman returns, while Rubin Hermann appears the likeliest replacement if they want to maintain their balance.
Probable XI:Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman,Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram
Squads
India:Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (c/wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy
South Africa:Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Ottneil Baartman, Rubin Hermann, Prenelan Subrayen,Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk)