India vs South Africa Prediction: Who Will Win IND vs SA 3rd ODI Match on 6th December 2025?
The final and deciding match of this thrilling ODI series arrives with high stakes and tremendous anticipation, making the India vs South Africa prediction one of the most searched topics ahead of the Visakhapatnam showdown. With the series tied 1-1, both sides walk into the third ODI knowing that a single big performance could settle the contest. The venue, ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, is known for its batting-friendly surface and heavy dew in the second innings, a factor that has historically tilted the match in favor of teams chasing. In fact, the chasing side may enjoy up to an 80% advantage, making the toss extremely significant in shaping the India vs South Africa prediction for this decider.
India enter this match with mixed emotions—pride from two brilliant centuries in the previous match, yet frustration after losing despite scoring 358. Their bowling attack failed to defend the total under dewy conditions, and adjustments will be needed to avoid repeating that mistake. South Africa, however, carry strong momentum after their successful chase, showcasing confidence, composure, and depth across the batting order. Their middle order, supported by attacking all-round options like Marco Jansen and Dewald Brevis, gives this side exceptional balance.
With both teams boasting world-class talent and proven match-winners, the India vs South Africa prediction for this crucial decider depends on execution under pressure, adaptation to dew, and the ability of key batters to convert starts into big scores. Fans can expect a thrilling, high-scoring contest as India look to close out the series at home and South Africa aim for a memorable away victory. As this venue promises runs, strategy will matter more than ever, making the India vs South Africa prediction a compelling talking point among cricket lovers and analysts alike.
- The series is tied 1-1; this match decides the winner.
- Dew will heavily assist the team chasing, giving them a 70–80% win advantage.
- India rely on Kohli, Rohit, and Kuldeep—South Africa bank on Markram, Breetzke, Brevis, and Jansen.
- India enter as favorites but only if they adjust better with the ball in the second innings.
Match Details
| Match | India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 6th December 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
| Live Streaming | JioCinema, Star Sports Network |
India Team Preview
India approach the third ODI with both confidence and caution after their roller-coaster performance in the second match. Posting a massive 358 runs should normally secure victory, but India’s bowlers struggled to adapt to the Visakhapatnam-like conditions in Gwalior, where dew neutralized their variations. Ahead of this decider, India will need to strategize not only around batting power but also around maintaining control with the ball if they bowl second.
The batting unit, however, is in excellent form. Virat Kohli continues to play like a man revived, producing back-to-back centuries in this series. His balance, timing, and chase management remain unmatched, making him the pillar of India’s ODI top order. Alongside him, captain Rohit Sharma’s calm presence and recent run of form—with multiple fifties in his last few innings—provide India with a reassuring foundation at the top.
Yashasvi Jaiswal adds explosiveness as an opener, capable of scoring at a strike rate of 120–140 during the powerplay. Ruturaj Gaikwad has also flourished at number three, scoring a sublime century in the previous ODI. KL Rahul’s flexibility allows India to control the middle overs and accelerate when required. His calm handling of run-chases makes him a vital figure in this decider.
Bowling remains India’s biggest concern. Prasidh Krishna has leaked runs consistently, failing to hold his lines under pressure, while Harshit Rana has bowled with good pace but lacks consistency. Arshdeep Singh will be crucial with the new ball and at the death, relying on his swing and yorkers. Kuldeep Yadav, India’s standout bowler this series with five wickets, brings control and wicket-taking threat during the middle overs.
To win this decider, India must be sharper with their defensive plans and use cutters, slower balls, and wide lines late in the innings if dew makes gripping difficult. India’s depth, experience, and home familiarity keep them favorites, but execution will decide everything.
India Predicted Playing XI
| Player |
|---|
| Rohit Sharma |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Virat Kohli |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Washington Sundar |
| KL Rahul (c/wk) |
| Ravindra Jadeja |
| Harshit Rana |
| Kuldeep Yadav |
| Arshdeep Singh |
| Prasidh Krishna |
South Africa Team Preview
South Africa arrive in Visakhapatnam brimming with confidence after successfully chasing 358 in the second ODI. Their ability to counter Indian spin, maintain composure during high-pressure chases, and bat deep into the innings has made them a formidable outfit this series. Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, and Dewald Brevis are in strong form and complement each other brilliantly.
Quinton de Kock sets the tone early with positive stroke play, often scoring freely against both seam and spin. His partnership with Aiden Markram remains crucial, especially considering Markram’s stunning century in the previous ODI. Markram has looked technically assured and tactically aware, picking gaps with ease and pacing his innings superbly.
Matthew Breetzke has been the revelation of this series, registering scores of 72 and 68 while averaging close to 70 in ODIs this year. His ability to rotate strike and maintain composure against quality bowling has added stability to South Africa’s middle order. Bavuma has played supporting roles but can anchor the innings if wickets fall early.
Dewald Brevis, the explosive young talent, brings raw firepower. His attacking nature in the final overs gives South Africa momentum shifts whenever needed. Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch form a potent lower-order duo, both capable of clearing the ropes and scoring at high strike rates.
South Africa’s bowling, led by Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi, has shown bite, especially with the new ball. Jansen’s bounce and steep lift off the deck can trouble India’s top order, while Maharaj anchors the spin department with his accuracy. However, dew poses a genuine tactical challenge—they will need early wickets to disrupt India’s rhythm.
If South Africa bowl first and chase later, their probability of winning increases dramatically. Their batting depth and comfort under lights make them a dangerous side.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI
| Player |
|---|
| Temba Bavuma (c) |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) |
| Aiden Markram |
| Matthew Breetzke |
| Tony de Zorzi |
| Dewald Brevis |
| Marco Jansen |
| Corbin Bosch |
| Keshav Maharaj |
| Nandre Burger |
| Lungi Ngidi |
India vs South Africa Today’s Fantasy Prediction – 6th December
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock |
| Batters | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke |
| All-rounders | Marco Jansen, Ravindra Jadeja |
| Bowlers | Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Nandre Burger |
This balanced fantasy lineup features proven match winners from both sides. KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock are selected as wicketkeepers because both are consistent scorers and frequently remain involved behind the stumps. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli form a world-class Indian core, with Kohli in red-hot form after consecutive hundreds. Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke are South Africa’s most reliable batsmen this series, making them must-have fantasy picks.
In the all-round department, Marco Jansen provides exceptional value—he bowls in powerplay and death overs while also batting in the lower-middle order. Ravindra Jadeja adds balance with his economical bowling and ability to chip in with late runs.
Kuldeep Yadav is India’s top wicket-taker this series and will be a major threat again. Arshdeep Singh has wicket-taking abilities with the new ball. Nandre Burger brings express pace and bounce, making him dangerous in conditions offering movement.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
Captain Options:
- Virat Kohli
- Aiden Markram
Vice-Captain Options:
- Marco Jansen
- Rohit Sharma
Players to Avoid
- Prasidh Krishna (extremely expensive spells)
- Temba Bavuma (poor recent form)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
India enter this match as the favorites because they possess greater experience in high-pressure home conditions and boast a batting lineup that is in superb form. Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad have delivered centuries, Rohit Sharma is consistently scoring, and their middle order has depth through KL Rahul and Jadeja. Their bowlers, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, remain dangerous even when dew reduces grip and control.
India also have a stronger record in home-series deciders, having won seven of their last nine ODI deciders played in India. Although South Africa’s batting depth makes them a competitive side, India’s familiarity with the venue and their recent strong batting performances give them a clear edge. If India bowl first, their chances increase even further, as their top-order strength makes them formidable chasers. For these reasons, India are the favorites to win today’s match.
India ODI History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1071 | 569 | 448 | 44 | 10 |
India are historically dominant in ODIs with a win percentage above 52%.
South Africa ODI History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 697 | 421 | 249 | 21 | 6 |
South Africa maintain one of the highest ODI win percentages in modern cricket.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Total Matches | India Won | South Africa Won | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 41 | 52 | 3 |
South Africa still lead the historical rivalry 52–41. However, in the last decade, India have won more games across bilateral series.
Also Check: India vs South Africa Head to Head in ODI
ACA-VDCA Stadium – Pitch Report
The ACA-VDCA surface is batting-friendly, offering beautiful timing for stroke-makers during the first innings. Batters who settle in early can accelerate dramatically later on. Spin remains influential throughout, though dew can nullify turn as the evening progresses. Pacers benefit from early swing but struggle to grip the ball under heavy dew. Teams batting first must target at least 350–370 to remain competitive, as the outfield quickens dramatically at night. The pitch remains true for the full 100 overs, making this a high-scoring venue.
Weather Report
Visakhapatnam is expected to be warm and humid during the afternoon, followed by heavy dew in the evening session. Temperatures will hover between 27–31°C, and humidity levels could exceed 70% after sunset, significantly affecting bowling and fielding in the second innings. No rain is forecast, so a full 100-over contest is expected. Conditions overwhelmingly favor the chasing side due to reduced grip and increased skid under lights.
Broadcast Details
Fans can watch the India vs South Africa 3rd ODI live on Star Sports Network in multiple languages. Digital streaming will be available on JioCinema with HD and 4K options. Live commentary, highlights, and match analysis will also be provided throughout the game on the official platforms.
Toss Prediction
South Africa are predicted to win the toss and opt to bowl first. With dew playing a major role in Visakhapatnam, captains will be eager to chase. The chasing advantage is so significant at this venue that the toss could determine nearly half the match outcome.
Probable Batsmen & Bowlers
Best Batsmen Today
- Virat Kohli: In supreme form with consecutive centuries and excellent ODI temperament.
- Aiden Markram: Recently scored a match-winning ton and appears in full control.
- Quinton de Kock: Strong record against India and dangerous in powerplay.
- Rohit Sharma: Consistent scoring form makes him a threat.
Best Bowlers Today
- Kuldeep Yadav: India’s top wicket-taker with superb variations.
- Lungi Ngidi: Effective in early overs with bounce and seam.
- Arshdeep Singh: Swinging new ball + yorkers at death.
- Marco Jansen: Bounce and left-arm angle trouble right-handers.
Match Prediction
With strong batting form, home advantage, and superior spin resources, India are the favorites to clinch the final ODI. South Africa remain dangerous, especially while chasing, but India’s depth and experience should help them emerge victorious. If India bowl first, their chances increase further. Overall prediction: India Will Win.
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 3rd ODI
Who will win the India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025?
India are favorites due to stronger batting depth and home conditions.
What is the India vs South Africa prediction for dew impact?
Teams chasing have a 70–80% advantage because of heavy dew.
What score is safe at Visakhapatnam?
Scores of 360–370 may be required to defend.
Who are key players for India?
Kohli, Rohit, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Who are key players for South Africa?
Markram, Breetzke, Brevis, and Jansen.
Which team has the head-to-head advantage?
South Africa lead 52–41 historically.
What are the fantasy captain choices?
Virat Kohli and Aiden Markram.
What is the toss prediction?
South Africa likely to win the toss and bowl first.
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.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
