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South Africa vs India Third ODI Tips - Decider likely to be a close-affair

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

20 Dec 2023

Siddhu Bharadwaj 20 Dec 2023

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South Africa vs India Third ODI predictions to be played at the Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday night, Indian time
South Africa have won 8 of their last 9 ODIs at this venue
India have lost their last 2 ODIs at this venue, both against South Africa

Can South Africa close out the series with a win and make it 2-1? (Getty Images)

South Africa vs India Third ODI

Contrasting performances in the first two matches saw South Africa and India share the spoils. The series is now on the line as the teams move to Paarl for the third and final ODI. This will be played at Boland Park on Thursday, December 21 from 4:30pm IST.

South Africa vs India Third ODI
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
India Form
India Team News

Both South Africa and India have been up and down in the first two matches giving nothing much in terms of form. The Proteas will feel they have a bit of an edge though, considering their record at this venue. Back the hosts in the win market.

South Africa have won 8 of their last 9 matches at this venue (ODIs)
South Africa have won 7 of their last 10 matches played in home venues (ODIs)
India lost their last 2 matches at this venue, both coming against South Africa (ODIs)
South Africa have struck the most match 6s in 5 of their last 6 matches (ODIs)

Head to Head

There have been 93 ODIs between South Africa and India so far, of which there have been 51 wins for the Proteas. There have been 39 wins for India while the remaining three ended without a result.

The win in the second ODI halted a four-game losing streak for the Proteas against India. That run for India included a 243-run win in the World Cup and an eight-wicket win in the first match. Both teams would be worried after below-par performances in the defeats.

South Africa Form

It was an interesting series for the Proteas, folding out for 116 in the first match before dominating the second ODI. They would be happy to be playing the series decider at a venue they have an excellent record.

The young opener Tony de Zorzi has been the reason for South Africa’s impressive performances, aggregating 147 runs. There wasn’t much from the others, though.

It has been rare pickings with the ball as Nandre Burger (three wickets) has impressed so far. Beuran Hendricks impressed in the second match and could get another match.

South Africa Team News

South Africa went in with a single spinner in the second ODI and could be tempted to bring back Tabraiz Shamsi, perhaps for Lizaad Williams.

India Form

India had an up and down series so far as well, with impressive bowling in the first followed by a below-par batting in the second ODI.

The visitors have a shining beacon in the form of Sai Sudharsan, who scored two expert fifties in the series. While he excelled, they have struggled for runs elsewhere.

With the ball, the visitors will hope that Arshdeep Singh (six wickets) can get into his wicket-taking form of the first ODI. Interestingly, the lead spinners haven’t really kicked-in for India.

India Team News

Mukesh Kumar didn’t quite impress in the series and that could mean a debut for Akash Deep.

South Africa vs India Third ODI FAQs

Where can I watch the South Africa vs India Third ODI live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the South Africa vs India Third ODI live stream.

What time does South Africa vs India Third ODI start?

This South Africa vs India Third ODI will be played at the Boland Park in Paarl on December 21, Thursday starting at 4:30pm IST.

Verdict

There’s very little in the form of these two sides that makes up back them with conviction. Yet, it is South Africa’s form at this venue that gives them an advantage. I am putting my money on South Africa winning this match and pocketing the series.