The India vs South Africa 3rd ODI in Visakhapatnam comes with high tension, high stakes, and massive excitement as the series stands level at 1–1. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, setting up a perfect do-or-die decider. With India relying on the explosive form of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli, and South Africa banking on Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, fans are expecting a thrilling contest. Here’s a complete preview, pitch report, key battles, and our highly accurate match prediction with real match insights.
Match Overview
- Match: India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI
- Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- Date: 6 December 2025
- Series Status: Level at 1–1 – the winner takes the series.
Vizag is famous for producing high-scoring games with batting support early and spin assistance in the middle overs.
India Cricket Team
- Virat Kohli had already delivered a monster series, scoring consistently and dominating the South African attack.
- Rohit Sharma was looking in sharp touch, giving India flying starts.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, the new aggressive opener, was gaining massive attention after his fearless stroke play.
- India’s bowling—especially Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna—was creating pressure in the middle overs.
South Africa Cricket Team
- South Africa surprised India by chasing a huge total in the 2nd ODI, led by Aiden Markram’s century.
- Temba Bavuma reached the 2000 ODI-runs milestone, boosting confidence.
- The major concern: inconsistent middle order and weak death-overs bowling.
Pitch Report – Vizag Conditions
- Batting-friendly surface with true bounce.
- Spinners get assistance in the middle overs.
- Dew factor gives a big advantage to chasing teams.
- Par score: 290–310.
Key players of the Match
1. Rohit Sharma & Yashasvi Jaiswal vs SA Pacers
Powerplay dominance was expected to define India’s chase or setup.
2. Virat Kohli vs SA Middle-Overs Bowlers
Kohli’s form was the biggest threat to South Africa.
3. Kuldeep Yadav vs SA Middle Order
His variations were expected to trouble Markram, Klassen & Stubbs.
4. Bavuma & Markram vs Indian Seamers
If this pair clicked, South Africa could post a 300+ total.
Pre-Match Prediction (Before Toss)
Based on form, pitch, team balance & momentum:
Cricket match prediction: team chasing
Reasons:
- Better batting stability (Rohit, Jaiswal, Kohli).
- More disciplined bowling attack.
- Home conditions.
- South Africa’s struggle in death overs.
Top Batter Prediction: Rohit Sharma
Toss Prediction: Bowl first
Actual Match Result (Summary)
Toss Result: India wins the toss after 20 consecutive matches and choose to bowl
South Africa Innings – 270 All Out
- Regular wickets by Prasidh Krishna & Kuldeep Yadav, each picking up 4 wickets.
- Middle order collapsed under pressure.
India Innings – 271/1 (Won by 9 Wickets)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed his maiden ODI century, unbeaten.
- Rohit Sharma hammered 75, dominating the chase easily.
- Virat Kohli finished unbeaten with a classy 65 and was later named Player of the Series with 302 runs.
Series Result: India won the series 2–1
Our prediction of an India win was accurate.