Written by: Karthik Reddy
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India will face South Africa at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam for the 3rd ODI of South Africa’s tour of India 2025. This promises to be a series-deciding encounter with both teams locked at 1-1, and South Africa eyeing a rare historic double of winning both Test and ODI series in India.

The head-to-head record between these two teams shows perfect balance in ODI cricket. In 12 matches played between them in this format, both India and South Africa have won 6 matches each, with no ties or no results, making this rivalry one of the most competitive in modern cricket. The most recent encounter saw South Africa win by 4 wickets on December 3, 2025, leveling the series 1-1.

IND vs SA 3rd ODI Match Preview

Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India, will host this series-deciding ODI. Based on recent ODI matches played at this venue, the ground has an average score of 262 runs in the last 5 ODIs, indicating excellent batting conditions, though pace bowlers have taken 36 out of 54 wickets at this venue, while spinners have claimed 18 wickets.

IND vs SA 3rd ODI Match Preview
Source: ESPNcricinfo

India comes into this match with concerning form, showing L-W-W-L-L in their last 5 ODIs. However, their outstanding record at this venue and the return to Visakhapatnam, where Virat Kohli has an extraordinary average of 97.83 in ODIs with four hundreds. South Africa displays better recent momentum with W-L-D-W-W form in their last 5 ODIs. Their victory in the 2nd ODI has given them the belief that they can achieve a rare double – winning both Test and ODI series in India. 

DetailInformation
MatchIndia vs South Africa – 3rd ODI
DateDecember 6th, 2025
Time1:30 PM LOCAL
VenueDr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
SeriesSouth Africa tour of India 2025

Pitch Report

AspectDetails
Pitch TypeExpected to be a batting-friendly wicket
Average Score262 runs (average in last 5 ODIs at this venue)
FavorsPacers – pitch offers good assistance with favorable conditions
SurfaceExcellent batting conditions, pace-friendly surface
Weather ImpactPartly cloudy with 0% precipitation chance
Toss FactorTeams winning the toss prefer to bowl first – 100% opted to bowl
Dew FactorHeavy dew is expected in the evening, making chasing easier

Weather Report

ConditionDetails
Temperature23°C with partly cloudy conditions expected
Humidity68% – High humidity levels
Wind Speed11 km/h – Light winds
Rain Chance0% precipitation expected – no rain threat
OverallPartly cloudy conditions, perfect for cricket

Toss Prediction

Historical data from Visakhapatnam shows teams winning the toss have an absolute 100% preference to bowl first over the last 5 years in ODIs at this venue. More significantly, teams bowling first have achieved a perfect 100% win rate, making the toss absolutely crucial. The dew factor plays a massive role, with the team bowling second getting a huge advantage as the ball becomes wet and difficult to grip. India will be desperate to break their streak of 20 consecutive toss losses. The team winning the toss is certain to bowl first.

Injury Updates

India: No major injury concerns reported. The squad that won the 1st ODI and narrowly lost the 2nd remains unchanged. 

South Africa: Two significant injury concerns with Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi both suffering hamstring injuries in the 2nd ODI. Hamstrings don’t heal quickly, so expect both to be replaced. Probable replacements are Ottneil Baartman (pace bowler) for Burger and Ryan Rickelton (batsman) for de Zorzi. Marco Jansen, who has been excellent as an emerging all-rounder, could get the new ball if Burger is out.

Dream11 Team For IND vs SA

Dream11 Team For IND vs SA

IND vs SA Head-to-Head Records

  • SA beat IND by 4 wickets: India – 358/5 (50), South Africa – 362/6 (49.2) (03 Dec, 2025)
  • IND beat SA by 17 runs: India – 349/8 (50), South Africa – 332/10 (49.2) (30 Nov, 2025)
  • IND beat SA by 78 runs: India – 296/8 (50), South Africa – 218/10 (45.5) (21 Dec, 2023)
  • SA beat IND by 8 wickets: India – 211/10 (46.2), South Africa – 215/2 (42.3) (19 Dec, 2023)
  • IND beat SA by 8 wickets: India – 117/2 (16.4), South Africa – 116/10 (27.3) (17 Dec, 2023)

Related Reads:

Top Picks For The Match

PlayerReason
Rohit Sharma (Captain)Scored 273 runs in 5 matches
Marco Jansen (Vice Captain)Scored 75 runs and took 8 wickets in 5 matches
Virat Kohli Scored 311 runs in 5 matches
Aiden MarkramScored 252 runs in 5 matches
Matthew BreetzkeScored 215 runs in 5 matches
About the Author

As the editor of TheCricketPanda, Karthik Reddy combines his extensive knowledge of fantasy cricket with a deep passion for the sport to deliver precise predictions and strategic advice. With over 4 years of experience in analyzing IPL and international cricket matches, he has become a trusted name among fantasy sports enthusiasts. Karthik’s keen eye for detail, backed by data-driven insights and a thorough understanding of player performance and match dynamics, has helped fans make informed decisions in their fantasy leagues.

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