SA vs IND: 3rd ODI Preview – Emerging talents on the cusp of putting India into record books

After losing the second ODI by eight wickets, India will look to seal the series in the third and final match on Thursday, December 21 at Boland Park, Paarl. Being put in to bat first, India were bundled out for 211 with Sai Sudharsan (62 off 83) and KL Rahul (56 off 64) scoring half-centuries.

In reply, South Africa comfortably chased down the target in 42.3 overs riding on a splendid hundred by Tony de Zorzi (119* off 122). Following the loss in the second ODI, the series is tied 1-1 and both teams will be eager to seal it with another win.

Notably, South Africa has had the upper hand over India on their home soil, winning seven series out of the eight played between the two teams. India’s only win in an ODI series in South Africa came in 2018 under the leadership of Virat Kohli as they beat them by 5-1.

Hence, the KL Rahul-led side will be eager to enter the record books by winning just the second series in the Rainbow Nation. On the other hand, South Africa will look to continue their winning momentum and clinch the series with another emphatic win.

Pitch Report

In the last five matches played at the venue, three have been won by teams batting first. The average first-innings score has been 291 while the highest target chased at the venue is 288 by South Africa vs India in 2022. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first keeping the recent record of the venue in mind.

Probable Playing XI: