India and South Africa face off in the series decider of the three-match ODI series on December 6, 2025, at Visakhapatnam. With the series level on the line, both teams will be eager to finish on a high in what has been a competitive tour so far.
Match Details
Match: India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM IST
Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Live Streaming (India): Jio Hotstar
Live Broadcast (India): Star Sports
Team Overview
India enter the third ODI with strong momentum and depth across departments. Their batting unit is packed with experience and form, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli providing stability at the top. The presence of KL Rahul as captain and wicketkeeper strengthens both leadership and middle-order reliability. India’s bowling attack also looks well balanced, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the spin department and pace support from Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. All-round options like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar give India added flexibility.
South Africa, meanwhile, have shown flashes of brilliance but remain inconsistent. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have been the backbone of their batting unit, while Dewald Brevis provides explosive power in the middle order. Their bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada’s absence but supported by Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, still carries enough firepower to trouble India. However, fitness concerns around Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger remain a talking point ahead of the decider.
Head-to-Head Record
South Africa hold the historical edge in ODI cricket, having won 52 of the 96 matches played between the two teams. India have registered 41 victories, while three matches ended without a result. Despite South Africa’s overall lead, India have been far stronger at home in recent years.
Probable Playing XIs
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (captain & wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
These XIs reflect the latest core squads and captaincy leadership coming into the final match of the tour.
Pitch Report & Conditions
The Visakhapatnam surface is traditionally a batting-friendly wicket with good bounce and carry. Batters are expected to enjoy their time in the middle, but bowlers who hit the right lengths can still extract assistance. With no rain in the forecast and pleasant weather conditions, a full 100-over contest is expected. A first-innings total in the range of 370 to 380 could be a winning score.
Key Players to Watch
For India, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to play decisive roles. For South Africa, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi will be crucial.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
The match will be available for live viewing on Jio Hotstar in India through mobile apps and web platforms, while television coverage will be provided by Star Sports. In South Africa, the official broadcast partner for the tour is SuperSport. Viewers in Pakistan are expected to watch the match on leading sports networks airing international cricket, while audiences in the UK and Australia can follow the action through their respective international cricket broadcasters.
Match Prediction and Probable Scenario
India will start the match as clear favorites, given their superior batting depth, home conditions, and recent form. If India bat first and post a total above 360, South Africa could find it difficult to keep up, especially against spin in the middle overs. If South Africa bat first, their top order must fire to put pressure on India early.
Final Prediction: India are expected to win the 3rd ODI and clinch the series.