The third and last ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa is scheduled for December 6, 2025, in Visakhapatnam. The match now goes to a decisive final game with the series tied at one, India having won the first game in Ranchi and the Proteas rallying in Raipur.
In the past, India has demonstrated a strong temperament under duress and excelled in ODI series deciders. In 2023, the Men in Blue defeated South Africa in their own stadium, one of their most recent victories in 23 ODI series deciders.
India dominated the first game of that 2023 series, winning by eight wickets, but South Africa rallied to tie the series. However, a youthful and resolute Indian team put up a polished display in the pivotal series-ending match at Paarl, winning by 78 runs.
The opening game of the current ODI series versus South Africa was won by the hosts by a margin of 17 runs. India scored 349/7 when chasing a large total, led by Virat Kohli’s outstanding 135 off 120 balls, Rohit Sharma’s 57, and KL Rahul’s 60. Despite the fact that each of South Africa’s pacers took two wickets, the Proteas were ultimately bowled out for 332. Corbin Bosch scored 67, Marco Jansen scored 70, and Matthew Breetzke scored 72. With 4/68, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav shone out among the Indian bowlers and was instrumental in limiting the opposition.
Virat Kohli scored 102, Ruturaj Gaikwad got a century (105), and Rahul remained undefeated at 66 as the Men in Blue reached 358/7 in the second game. Marco Jansen’s 10-over period yielded another score of 2/63. Aiden Markram scored 110, Matthew Breetzke scored 68, and Dewald Brevis scored 54 as South Africa successfully pursued the mark in 49.2 overs despite its size. In the high-scoring match, India’s bowlers were unable to control the scoring, with the majority scoring more than seven runs per over.
India
