• Match: South Africa vs India, 3rd ODI Match, India tour of South Africa 2023-24
• Date and Time: December 21, 11:00 am GMT / 04:30 pm IST / 05:00 pm BD
• Venue: Boland Park, Paarl

South Africa: In the second ODI, South Africa displayed the necessary batting discipline, a vital factor missing in the initial game, especially from their top order. To claim victory in this ODI and secure the series, they’ll require a repeat performance from their batting lineup.

India: India, after a resounding defeat in the last match, faces the challenge of showcasing resilience and mounting a comeback akin to their opponents’ turnaround in the previous game. Despite securing only two wickets in the last encounter, India’s bowling unit performed commendably, posing significant challenges for South Africa’s batsmen. They aim to replicate such a performance in the upcoming match.

South Africa: Aiden Markram (Captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (Wicket-Keeper), Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Beuran Hendricks, Lizaad Williams.

India: KL Rahul (C & WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan.

With two thrilling contests resulting in 8-wicket winning margins in the series so far, the anticipation for the third ODI is high. Early wickets have proven crucial in both matches, with successful days for both bowling attacks. The prediction leans towards India’s bowlers having the upper hand in the upcoming game, leading to an India victory and securing the series.

Prediction: India to defeat South Africa in the 3rd ODI.

In the last six ODIs at Boland Park, the record stands evenly split, with three wins for the team batting first and three for the side fielding first. Considering that both victories in this series have been achieved by the chasing team, the prediction leans towards both captains opting to field first if they win the toss in this ODI.

A score exceeding 280 runs will be considered competitive for the first innings in this match. Anticipate the pitch to provide slightly more assistance to the fast bowlers than to the spinners.

Expect a hot afternoon in Paarl with temperatures reaching around 33 degrees for the initial five hours of the game. Humidity levels are anticipated to be much lower compared to the second ODI of the series.

• Venue: Boland Park
• City: Paarl
• Capacity: 10000
• Ends: Riebeeck Kelders End, Stables End
• Hosts to: Boland