KEY POINTS
- India’s loss in the final ODI would mark their first home series defeat in 39 years.
- South Africa levelled the series with a historic chase of 359 in Raipur, after India posted 358.
- The toss and weather conditions could play a decisive role in the series finale.
- Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form will be key to India’s chances in the decider.
ISLAMABAD: India is facing a momentous challenge as they head into the third and final ODI against South Africa on Saturday, December 6, at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
With the series tied 1-1, a loss in this decider would mean India’s first home series defeat in 39 years, dating back to the 1986-87 series against Pakistan.
A Pivotal Decider: India’s Series on the Line
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the men in blue. India had a promising start with a thrilling 17-run victory in Ranchi, where Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century, alongside key contributions from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, helped India set the tone.
However, the tide turned in the second ODI, where South Africa stunned the hosts with one of the most remarkable ODI chases in history. Aiden Markram’s brilliant 110 led the way as the Proteas chased down a mammoth target of 359 runs, levelling the series at 1-1, despite India posting a formidable total of 358.
Weather and Toss: Key Factors in the Decider
With both teams gunning for a series win, the Visakhapatnam ODI promises to be a high-stakes thriller. The weather and pitch conditions will play a pivotal role, with India hoping the toss finally swings in their favour after 20 consecutive losses. Dew, which has been a game-changer in the previous matches, could once again tilt the balance, particularly with the use of a single ball for overs 34 to 50.
Evening touchdown in Visakhapatnam. 🛬#TheProteas Men put all focus to Saturday’s ODI decider with all to play for! 🇿🇦🏏 pic.twitter.com/xKw2mWNWU4
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 4, 2025
The team winning the toss could hold a significant advantage in maximizing the early conditions, especially in the crucial final stages of the match.
Injury Woes for South Africa: Uncertainty Looms
South Africa’s preparations have been rocked by injuries to key players Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, both of whom underwent scans on Thursday morning. Their availability for the decider remains uncertain, with South Africa hoping their star players will recover in time to boost their chances of completing a historic win on Indian soil.
Kohli and Gaikwad Lead India’s Charge
For India, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who is in sublime form. With back-to-back centuries in the first two ODIs, Kohli’s presence in the middle order is a crucial factor. His record in Visakhapatnam is particularly impressive, with four ODI centuries and an average of nearly 98 in the format.
Alongside him, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a brilliant century in the second ODI, provides India with further hope that they can post another high total in the decider.
Marco Jansen’s All-Round Skills to Be Tested
South Africa will be looking to their all-rounder Marco Jansen to deliver in what could be a defining moment of his career. Jansen has impressed with both bat and ball, and with the Proteas’ bowling attack still searching for consistency, Jansen’s ability to deliver under pressure will be key to their hopes of clinching the series.
The Ultimate Test of Nerves
As the series heads into the decider, every element, from the toss to the final over, could make or break the teams. Both sides have shown their strengths, but it will come down to which team can handle the pressure and seize the crucial moments. With both teams evenly matched, the final ODI promises to be a nerve-wracking spectacle, one that could have long-lasting consequences for Indian cricket history.
Pitch and Conditions
The previous two ODIs in Visakhapatnam showcased the extreme variations in the pitch conditions. India went from posting a massive 387 against the West Indies in December 2019 to being bowled out for just 117 by Australia in March 2023.
With no weather disruptions expected in the pitch preparation, a high-scoring affair similar to the 2019 encounter is likely. The temperature is expected to be warmer than in Ranchi and Raipur, but still comfortable for cricket.
Form guide
India: LWWLL (last five completed ODIs)
South Africa: WLLWL
Squads
India (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 5 KL Rahul (capt. & wk), 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Harshit Rana, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Prasidh Krishna
South Africa (probable): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Temba Bavuma (capt.), 4 Matthew Breetzke, 5 Ryan Rickelton, 6 Dewald Brevis, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Ottneil Baartman
