India Tour of South Africa: India vs South Africa 3rd ODI Match Preview

When India plays South Africa in the ODI series decider at Boland Park on Thursday, December 21, they will be hoping to recover and win just the second-ever ODI series. India shared the honours thus far, winning the first ODI in Johannesburg by eight wickets, but losing the second by the same amount in Gqeberha.

 As their stars, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kagiso Rabada, are getting ready for the forthcoming two-match Test series that begins on December 26, neither South Africa nor India have a full-strength squad.

 With Aiden Markram and KL Rahul captaining comparatively inexperienced teams, a pivotal match in a series devoid of background appears to be the ideal way to spice things up on Thursday.

 India has played seven bilateral ODI series in South Africa; they have only triumphed once, in a six-match series that took place in 2018 under Virat Kohli. KL Rahul led the Lucknow Super Giants to a series victory on Thursday, but he will be seeking to get revenge after losing to them 3-0 in 2022.

 South Africa's youthful talent rose to the occasion and levelled the series during the IPL mini auction held at the Coca-Cola Arena. While Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh combined for nine wickets to demolish the South African batting lineup in the first ODI, they were ineffective in Gqeberha as South Africa easily chased down a 212-run mark, riding on opener Tony de Zorzi's maiden ODI century.

 Sai Sudharsan has played well for India, scoring fifty in his first two One-Day Internationals. Sai appeared at ease on a field that had an uncomfortably high bounce, but in the second ODI, Lizaad Williams hit him with a beautiful delivery. The Indian batting unit was dominated by South African pacers, especially left-armer Nandre Burger, who has a contract with the Rajasthan Royals. KL Rahul also scored a smooth fifty, but none of the other batsmen were able to get going.

 Although Ruturaj Gaikwad's T20I century against Australia ignited the Indian domestic season, the Chennai Super Kings opener has not fared well in the series. Ruturaj has been declared out of bounds with a score of 4 in both innings.

 In the first ODI, Wiaan Mulder hit him, but in the second, left-armer Burger hit him with a more comprehensive inswinger.

 Ruturaj needs to step up and perform if he wants to maintain selectors' interest in him in the ODI format. Ruturaj has only managed 115 runs in 6 ODIs; with the rivalry in all forms for the opening spot, the Maharashtra batsman's time may be running out.

 Ruturaj is worth its weight in gold if he gets another chance and runs in a decider.

 Although they were uninterested in the second match because of somewhat flatter conditions, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan had a good time in the first ODI. It is anticipated that the two young talents will have another opportunity, and India may wish to rest Mukesh Kumar prior to the Test series.

 But in the series finale, India might try to give leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal a chance. Since his return from an injury setback, Axar Patel has not received many opportunities. The left-arm spinner may get another chance even though he had trouble with rhythm in the second ODI. Additionally, Washington Sundar has been preheating the benches.

 In the second ODI, South Africa used a four-man pace attack, and they all looked impressive, but they will be tempted to bring Shamsi in the final ODI.

 When: December 21, 2023; 1pm Local Time (4.30pm IST)

 Where: Boland Park, Paarl

 

 Pitch & Weather Report: Heat of thirty-six degrees, hardly any cool wind, no rain, a pitch that is a little slow (300 has been passed here in 15 men's ODIs, but not 400), and the cheeriest crowd in the nation, if not all of cricket.