India vs South Africa: The upcoming 3rd ODI match between India and South Africa turns out to be a series decider for both teams. After the Proteas’ nervy 4-wicket win in Raipur, the 3-match ODI series is currently levelled at 1-1.
The battle spices up at the ACA-VDCA stadium in Visakhapatnam as the visitors aim to win the ODI series after 10 years, with their last victory coming on Indian soil back in the 2015-16 season.
To predict the winner of the highly crucial clash, it’s time to analyze the head-to-head stats of IND vs SA to find out which team historically holds a massive edge in ODIs. Based on the weather forecast and pitch report, let’s determine the possible playing XI combination of both teams.
India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025 Match Details
- ODI Match Number: 4936
- Date and Day: December 06 (Saturday)
- Format: 50-Over Contest (Day and Night Match)
- Venue: ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam
- Seating Capacity: 27,500
- Timings: 01:30 pm IST / 08 am GMT
IND vs SA Head-to-Head ODI Records (From 1991 to Present)
Following a 4-wicket win in Ranchi, South Africa’s head-to-head records have become even more dominating against India, and here is a detailed report:
| Stats | India | South Africa |
| Total ODI Matches Played | 96 | 96 |
| Won | 41 | 52 |
| ODIs Won at Home | 19 | 26 |
| ODIs Won Away | 12 | 15 |
| ODIs Won at Neutral Venue | 10 | 11 |
| No Result / Abandoned Contests | 03 | 03 |
| Highest ODI Innings Total | 401 | 438 |
| Lowest ODI Innings Total | 91 | 83 |
Visakhapatnam Weather Forecast Reports for IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025
- Temperature: 24 °C to 28 °C
- Wind Speed: 13 km/hr to 21 km/hr
- Cloud Cover: 39% to 49%
- Humidity: 56% to 71%
- Dew Point: 18°
- Rainfall Chances: NIL
Comparing India and South Africa Form in the Last Five ODIs
Both India and South Africa have managed to win 2 out of their recent 5 ODIs, and here are the detailed stats:
| INDIA | SOUTH AFRICA |
| Lost by 4 Wickets to South Africa | Won by 4 wickets against India |
| Won by 17 Runs against South Africa | Lost by 17 Runs to India |
| Won by 9 Wickets against Australia | Lost by 7 Wickets to Pakistan |
| Lost by 2 Wickets to Australia | Won by 8 Wickets against Pakistan |
| Lost by 7 Wickets to Australia | Lost by 2 Wickets to Pakistan |
ACA-VDCA Stadium Pitch Conditions for IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025
The flat nature of the pitch at the ACA-VDCA Stadium has often proven to be batter-friendly in the first innings. While pacers can get slight assistance on this surface, spinners will be able to play a crucial role in the middle overs as the match progresses.
At the same time, spinners struggle to produce variations on this pitch in the second half only if dew plays a major role under the lights, which could eventually favor the chasing sides.
So far, 20 ODIs have been played at this venue. Out of which, the first batting teams have managed to win only on 3 occasions, while the chasing teams have been triumphant on 17 occasions.
Recently, the Australian team chased down a competitive target against India in the league stages of the Women’s World Cup 2025, which is the highest successful run chase at this venue in ODIs to date.
Predicted Playing XI of India vs South Africa for the 3rd ODI 2025
Here is how India and South Africa can strengthen their playing XI, featuring the core set of full-time batters as well as spin and pace bowling specialists:
India’s Possible Playing XI for 3rd ODI vs South Africa:
| S.No | Player | Role |
| 1. | Rohit Sharma | Right-Handed Batter |
| 2. | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Left-Handed Batter |
| 3. | Virat Kohli | Right-Handed Batter |
| 4. | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Right-Handed Batter |
| 5. | KL Rahul (Captain / Wicketkeeper) | Right-Handed Batter |
| 6. | Nitish Kumar Reddy | Pace Bowling All-Rounder |
| 7. | Ravindra Jadeja | Spin Bowling All-Rounder |
| 8. | Kuldeep Yadav | Spin Bowler |
| 9. | Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| 10. | Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler |
| 11. | Prasidh Krishna | Fast Bowler |
South Africa’s Possible Playing XI for 3rd ODI vs India:
| S.No | Player | Role |
| 1. | Aiden Markram | Right-Handed Batter |
| 2. | Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper) | Left-Handed Batter |
| 3. | Temba Bavuma (Captain) | Right-Handed Batter |
| 4. | Matthew Breetzke | Right-Handed Batter |
| 5. | Dewald Brevis | Right-Handed Batter |
| 6. | Tony de Zorzi | Left-Handed Batter |
| 7. | Marco Jansen | Fast Bowling All-Rounder |
| 8. | Corbin Bosch | Fast Bowling All-Rounder |
| 9. | Keshav Maharaj | Spin Bowler |
| 10. | Nandre Burger | Fast Bowler |
| 11. | Lungi Ngidi | Fast Bowler |
3rd ODI 2025 Winner Prediction: India vs South Africa
Both India and South Africa have equal chances of winning the series decider contest at the ACA-VDCA stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Although Team India boasts a strong batting line-up, a lack of firepower in their bowling unit adds concerns to their success rate. Especially, counterattacking a formidable batting group of Proteas requires sharp tactics as bowlers need to maintain proper line and length with their deliveries.
As South Africa recently secured a test series win on Indian soil after 25 years, Temba Bavuma and his men would be keen to achieve another sensational ODI series victory against the hosts after 10 years.
Overall, the team that maintains a strong batting line-up and a balanced set of pacers and spinners in the bowling unit can certainly triumph in the forthcoming high-scoring thriller.