IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Match Preview: Team Analysis, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Prediction

IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Match Preview: The South Africa tour of India 2025 continues with its opening ODI as India takes on South Africa at the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Saturday, December 06, 2025, starting at 1:30 PM (IST).

The series is tied 1-1 after South Africa chased down 358 runs in the previous match. A brilliant 110 from Aiden Markram and excellent support from Britzke and Brevis helped South Africa win the match in the last over. India will be disappointed after posting such a huge total, but the dew made it very difficult to defend.

With the conditions in favour of the chasing team, the toss could decide the outcome of the match. Both teams will be keen to win the series.

In this article, we take a look at the IND vs SA Match Preview, Pitch Report, Prediction, and Stats.

Match Details – IND vs SA 3rd ODI

IND vs SA Team Preview & Analysis

India

India will be disappointed after losing despite being on 358/5. Both Virat Kohli and Rituraj Gaikwad have scored brilliant centuries, but the bowling has been excellent due to the dew, with the latter scoring two consecutive centuries, and Rohit Sharma providing stability in the top order. KL Rahul leads the innings in the middle overs and can eventually score quick runs.

The biggest concern is the bowling. Pradish Krishna scores runs regularly, and India will need control in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav has been in excellent form and is India’s leading wicket-taker in this series.

Key players to watch

• Virat Kohli – Back-to-back centuries, excellent form
• Rohit Sharma – Three 50+ runs in the last four innings
• Kuldeep Yadav – Highest wicket-taker
• Arshdeep Singh – Useful in the death overs

South Africa

South Africa will enter the match with confidence after a brilliant chase. Markram’s 110 helped propel the innings, while Britzke and Brewis played key roles with attacking half-centuries.

Their batting depth makes them dangerous, with Jensen, Bosch and Brewis all adept at scoring quick knocks of 30-40 runs. Berger, Ngidi and Jensen will once again lead the pace attack.

Chasing is their biggest strength with the dew.

Key players to watch

• Aiden Markram – Match-winning 110
• Matthew Brewis – 72 and 68 so far
• Dewold Brewis – Explosive middle-order batsman
• Marco Janssen – 70 (39) and 2 wickets

IND vs SA Predicted Playing XI

India:

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (c/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa:

Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

IND vs SA Pitch Report – Visakhapatnam

The surface at Visakhapatnam offers balance:

• Batting-friendly early

• Swing for pacers in the first hour

• Spinners come into play after sunset

Dew is a major factor. Chasing becomes significantly easier after 7 PM.

Average first innings score: 277
Highest score: 387/5 (India vs West Indies, 2019)

Toss decision: Bowl First

Weather Forecast – Visakhapatnam, Dec 06, 2025

Cool, dry weather with 0% chance of rain

Ideal conditions for a full 50-over match.

IND vs SA 3rd ODI Win Prediction

This is a tight contest with both teams capable of winning. Dew will heavily favour the chasing side.

Prediction:

• India to win if they chase.
• South Africa are the favourites if they chase.

Expect another thrilling finish.