India and South Africa head into the third and final ODI in Visakhapatnam with the series tantalisingly poised at 1-1. After India struck early rhythm with a win in Ranchi, South Africa responded strongly in Raipur, making Saturday’s clash a must-watch decider. With both sides showing flashes of brilliance—and pressure mounting—this decider has all the ingredients of a thriller.
Virat Kohli is once again the centre of attention after back-to-back centuries, keeping India alive in the series. And with Shubman Gill injured, KL Rahul’s leadership has stood up well so far. But India know they’ll need a sharper all-round performance to seal this one.
India Eye Key Changes Ahead of Vizag Decider
South Africa are unlikely to disturb their winning combination, but India might shake things up.
Washington Sundar has struggled with both bat and ball, and the management could finally bring in Rishabh Pant, whose experience in finishing overs has been missing. If not Pant, Tilak Varma remains a solid middle-order option who hasn’t featured yet.
Another big decision involves the pace attack. Prasidh Krishna’s expensive spells in the first two ODIs have raised concerns, and Nitish Kumar Reddy—a local Vizag boy—could step in. His seam bowling plus lower-order batting provides balance India desperately needs.
Match Details: IND vs SA 3rd ODI
- Date: Saturday, December 6
- Time: 1:30 PM IST
- Venue: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
How to Watch the IND vs SA 3rd ODI for FREE
If you want to catch the action without paying a rupee, you’re in luck.
- DD Sports will broadcast the match FREE across India.
- Star Sports will telecast the match for subscribers.
- JioStar will live-stream the IND vs SA 3rd ODI from 1:30 PM IST.
Predicted Playing XIs
India
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa
Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
Why This Match Matters
India’s death-overs batting has been shaky, and the bowling hasn’t fully clicked yet. South Africa, meanwhile, look confident and balanced. Vizag’s surface usually offers early movement and later helps spinners, so both captains know this won’t be a straightforward contest.
The crowd expects a big show—especially from local star Reddy and the ever-reliable Kohli. With the series on the line, every over is going to feel like a mini-battle.
FAQs
Yes. DD Sports will broadcast it free.
JioStar will stream the match live from 1:30 PM IST
India have home advantage, but South Africa look settled. Expect a tight contest.
Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy are strong contenders for inclusion.
