India vs South Africa Prediction: Who Will Win IND vs SA 1st ODI Match on 30th November 2025?
The ODI rivalry between India and South Africa begins a new chapter as both sides clash in the series opener at the JSCA International Cricket Complex, Ranchi. In this detailed India vs South Africa prediction, we examine form, squads, key players, stats, fantasy picks, and match expectations. With both teams undergoing transitions ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, this contest carries more significance than a regular bilateral fixture.
India enter the match looking to bounce back from their disappointing Test series loss, but the 50-over format offers them a clean slate and a fresh roadmap. Their record at Ranchi is promising, having won three out of five ODIs here, and with senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still anchoring the batting core, India appear well-equipped to start strong.
South Africa, meanwhile, arrive with a developing squad featuring fresh batting talent and a reworked bowling attack. The absence of Kagiso Rabada is a major blow, but the Proteas view this series as an opportunity to rebuild stability, expose youngsters to subcontinent conditions, and test depth ahead of long-term planning. Matthew Breetzke, who has scored 307 runs in his last seven ODIs, is expected to play a central role alongside De Kock and van der Dussen. Historically, South Africa hold a clear head-to-head advantage with 54 wins out of 94 ODIs, but recent results have tilted in India’s favor, including four wins in the last five encounters.
The pitch at Ranchi usually supports balanced, high-quality cricket, offering something for pacers early on and spinners later. Both sides will target a tactical, composed approach as they shape their new ODI identities. With strengths and weaknesses on both sides, this India vs South Africa prediction dives into every detail to determine who holds the edge in the all-important series opener.
Match Details
| Match | India vs South Africa, 1st ODI 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 30 November 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | JSCA International Cricket Complex, Ranchi |
Team Previews
India Team Preview
India enter this ODI series with a clear vision: rebuild toward the 2027 World Cup using a blend of experience and youth. Under KL Rahul’s captaincy, the team carries strong batting depth and dependable bowling combinations. The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal gives India the perfect mix of aggression and stability. Rohit’s 502 runs in his last 10 ODIs highlight his consistency, while Jaiswal’s attacking mindset brings needed momentum in powerplay overs.
Virat Kohli at No. 3 remains India’s backbone in ODIs, his ability to anchor long innings separating him from most batters. With Shreyas Iyer unavailable, the No. 4 slot goes to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been in exceptional form across the A tours and domestic circuits. Tilak Varma at No. 5 provides left-handed balance and middle-overs creativity.
KL Rahul doubles up as skipper and wicketkeeper, adding stability in the lower middle order. India’s all-round strength improves further with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both capable of contributing impactful overs and handling pressure with the bat.
The bowling attack includes Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. Kuldeep remains India’s premier middle-overs wicket-taker, while Arshdeep offers swing and control with the new ball. Harshit Rana’s selection reflects India’s commitment to backing youngster-driven pace options in the post–Shami-Bumrah era.
Overall, India appear balanced, structured, and more settled than South Africa entering this 1st ODI.
India Predicted Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (C/WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa Team Preview
South Africa approach this series with rebuilding intent, using the absence of Kagiso Rabada to test upcoming bowlers. Led by Temba Bavuma, the Proteas carry a mix of proven match-winners and exciting young talent. Their opening pair of Quinton de Kock and Matthew Breetzke brings the perfect blend of experience and recent form. Breetzke’s 307 runs in his last seven ODIs indicate strong consistency, while de Kock remains dangerous even in his final years of international cricket.
At No. 3, Rassie van der Dussen remains South Africa’s most reliable ODI performer, known for steady accumulation and strong temperament. Bavuma at No. 4 adds leadership and technique, though his ODI strike rate continues to be debated. Their middle order is where the real experimentation lies — Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, and Rubin Hermann provide youth, flair, and explosiveness.
The lower order features Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen, both of whom contribute significant batting depth and seam-bowling skill. Jansen in particular has the ability to influence matches with both bat and ball.
Keshav Maharaj leads South Africa’s spin department, while Lungi Ngidi holds the responsibility of spearheading a pace attack missing its superstar anchor. Maharaj’s experience will be crucial on Indian soil.
Overall, South Africa are talented but still adjusting. This ODI series will help them gain rhythm and shape their roadmap for the next two years.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI:
Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma (C), Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
Team Squads
India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, Mukesh Kumar.
South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Wiaan Mulder.
India vs South Africa Today’s Fantasy Prediction – 30th November
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | KL Rahul |
| BAT | Rohit Sharma |
| BAT | Virat Kohli |
| BAT | Matthew Breetzke |
| BAT | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| ALL | Ravindra Jadeja |
| ALL | Marco Jansen |
| BOWL | Kuldeep Yadav |
| BOWL | Arshdeep Singh |
| BOWL | Harshit Rana |
| BOWL | Lungi Ngidi |
This fantasy XI combines proven ODI anchors with impact bowlers suited to Ranchi conditions. KL Rahul is preferred over de Kock due to his guaranteed batting position and current form. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bring stability and big-match reliability, while Matthew Breetzke and Ruturaj Gaikwad add explosiveness and recent form advantage.
Ravindra Jadeja remains a top all-rounder pick due to his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, especially as the pitch slows in the second innings. Marco Jansen provides wicket-taking ability and late-overs hitting, making him valuable.
Kuldeep Yadav is a must-pick on spin-friendly surfaces. Arshdeep Singh’s swing and death bowling value make him a smart choice. Harshit Rana adds wicket potential through bounce variation, and Lungi Ngidi completes the lineup as South Africa’s main strike bowler.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Rassie van der Dussen
Players to Avoid
- Tony de Zorzi (inconsistent in Asian conditions)
- Sanju Samson (uncertain match time)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
India enter the match as clear favorites due to home conditions, a more settled lineup, and superior recent form in ODIs. Their top order is significantly stronger and more experienced than South Africa’s, with Rohit, Kohli, and Jaiswal capable of dominating on slow, turning pitches.
India’s spin attack of Jadeja and Kuldeep holds a notable advantage over South Africa’s middle order, which historically struggles against high-quality wrist-spin on subcontinent surfaces. The Proteas’ bowling attack, without Rabada, appears less intimidating and more reliant on Ngidi and Maharaj.
India’s recent dominance in head-to-head encounters and their impressive ODI record at Ranchi add further weight. South Africa may challenge if their young batters fire early, but India’s depth, structure, and match awareness make them the stronger team heading into this fixture.
India ODI History
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 1069 |
| Wins | 568 |
| Losses | 447 |
| No Result | 44 |
| Tied | 10 |
India have been one of the most consistent ODI sides globally with strong depth.
South Africa ODI History
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 695 |
| Wins | 420 |
| Losses | 248 |
| No Result | 21 |
| Tied | 6 |
South Africa remain one of the most successful sides in ODI cricket historically.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Category | India | South Africa | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall ODIs | 40 | 51 | 3 |
| At Ranchi | 1 | 0 | 0 |
South Africa lead overall, but India have dominated recent meetings and at this venue.
Also Check: India vs South Africa Head to Head in ODI – Records, Team & Players Stats
Pitch Report
The JSCA Ranchi pitch is known for its balanced nature, offering early movement for pacers before slowing down as the match progresses. Batters who settle can score big, but spinners play a major role during the middle overs. Expect grip and mild turn for Jadeja, Kuldeep, Maharaj, and Brevis. Scores around 260–290 are competitive, especially if dew does not intervene. Chasing becomes easier if dew settles in the second innings, reducing spin effect.
JSCA International Stadium Complex – ODI Ground Records & Statistics
| Category | Statistic / Record |
|---|---|
| Also or Previously Known As | HEC International Cricket Stadium |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Matches Won by Home Side | 3 (50.00%) |
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 2 (33.33%) |
| Matches Won Batting First | 2 (33.33%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 3 (50.00%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 2 (33.33%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 3 (50.00%) |
| Matches with No Result | 1 (16.67%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 139 – V Kohli (India) vs Sri Lanka, 16 Nov 2014 139 – A D Mathews (Sri Lanka) vs India, 16 Nov 2014 |
| Best Bowling | 4/73 – B A W Mendis (Sri Lanka) vs India, 16 Nov 2014 |
| Highest Team Innings | 313/5 – Australia vs India, 08 Mar 2019 |
| Lowest Team Innings | 155 – England vs India, 19 Jan 2013 |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 288/7 – India vs Sri Lanka, 16 Nov 2014 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 36.71 |
| Average Runs per Over | 5.55 |
| Average Score Batting First | 265 |
Weather Report
Ranchi’s weather on match day is expected to be pleasant, with clear skies and minimal rain probability. Temperatures will hover between 22–27°C, ideal for ODI play. Humidity levels could rise during the evening, potentially introducing light dew that may assist chasing teams. Overall, weather conditions support a full 50-over contest without interruptions.
Broadcast Details
Fans can watch the India vs South Africa 1st ODI live on Star Sports Network, with commentary available in multiple languages. JioHotstar will provide high-quality live streaming for mobile and OTT viewers. Pre-match and post-match analysis will also be available across platforms.
Toss Prediction
South Africa are likely to win the toss and may choose to bowl first. The pitch tends to play better under lights due to dew, making chasing easier. India, however, are comfortable batting first at Ranchi, so the toss may not heavily sway the final outcome.
Probable Top Batsmen & Bowlers
Top Batsmen:
For India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain front-runners for top scoring due to their excellent record against South Africa. Ruturaj Gaikwad is an emerging contender. For South Africa, Matthew Breetzke is in prime form, while van der Dussen’s consistency makes him a dependable pick.
Top Bowlers:
Kuldeep Yadav is India’s biggest threat on this surface, while Arshdeep Singh may excel with early swing. South Africa will rely heavily on Keshav Maharaj, with Ngidi expected to handle powerplay breakthroughs.
Match Prediction
India hold a clear upper hand in this contest due to their strong batting lineup, superior spin attack, and familiarity with Ranchi’s slow pitch conditions. South Africa can challenge if de Kock and Breetzke get off to strong starts, but lack of experience in their middle order and absence of Rabada make them vulnerable. Overall, India are expected to win the 1st ODI and take a 1–0 lead.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – IND vs SA 1st ODI
Who will win today’s India vs South Africa 1st ODI?
India are favorites due to stronger batting and spin depth.
What is the pitch like in Ranchi?
Balanced, slow later, assisting spinners and controlled batting.
Who are the top fantasy captain picks?
Rohit Sharma and Rassie van der Dussen.
Which bowlers will dominate?
Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Keshav Maharaj.
Who are South Africa’s key players?
Breetzke, van der Dussen, and Maharaj.
Which Indian players are crucial?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jadeja.
What is the average score at Ranchi?
Typically around 260–280 in ODIs.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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