Visakhapatnam, December 6, 2025 - The stage is set at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam for a thrilling series decider between India and South Africa in the 3rd ODI. With the series leveled at 1-1 after two high-scoring encounters, both teams are under immense pressure to deliver their best and clinch the series.
After South Africa's historic Test series win in India, the Proteas carry momentum into the white-ball format. However, India, under the leadership of stand-in captain KL Rahul, will rely on their home advantage and batting prowess to avoid a clean sweep across all formats.
In the previous matches, both teams have showcased their powerful batting lineups, resulting in high-scoring affairs. The upcoming match promises to be another run-fest, with the toss and dew expected to play crucial roles. The toss is scheduled for 1:00 PM IST, with the match commencing at 1:30 PM IST. The weather forecast predicts a pleasant day with temperatures ranging from 19-28 degrees Celsius, and no rain is expected.
All eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who has been in excellent form and has a brilliant record at Vizag, with 587 runs in 7 matches, including three centuries and one 99. He could become the first player in history to score four ODI hundreds at a single venue. India will be hoping that Kohli scores his third consecutive century to put pressure on South Africa.
India's squad includes Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (w/c), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. South Africa's squad features Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock(w), 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, and Prenelan Subrayen.
There are questions about whether India will make any changes to their lineup. India's middle order has lacked power, raising questions about Washington Sundar's place, with Tilak Varma being a potential replacement. Rishabh Pant, who has been with the team for a while since his comeback in 2024 but has only played one game, might get a chance. Prasidh Krishna is likely to get another opportunity as India lacks a backup pacer.
A series loss would mean that the Men in Blue would have lost three of their four bilateral ODI series. India will be aiming to address their tactical and execution issues, especially in defending high scores in the second innings when dew is a factor. South Africa, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on their momentum from the first ODI win and carry it into this decisive match.
