It's even stevens in South Africa. After India dominated the first ODI in Johannesburg and the hosts returned the favour with interest in Gqeberha, the series is squared up 1-1, and all is in readiness for the decisive third and final ODI at Boland Park, Paarl, on Thursday, December 21, 2023. (Match Blog | Scorecard | Key Battles | Full Coverage)
The Proteas pacers exposed the chinks in Indian batting's armour amid seam-friendly conditions in the second ODI, and despite young southpaw Sai Sudharsan and captain KL Rahul's half-centuries, the visitors could only get to a well-below-par total of 211. The home team polished off the target with ease, losing just two wickets in the process.
Openers Tony de Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks set the tone with a 130-run partnership, and de Zorzi went on to score an unbeaten ton (119 not out off 122 balls; 9x4, 6x6) to guide South Africa home. The Indian seamers began promisingly but were let down in the field, and eventually lost steam to make the match a one-sided affair.
ALSO READ: Shami, Chahar Ruled Out Of Series
Nevertheless, things are set up nicely for an intriguing decider in Paarl, and the youngsters on both sides will be looking to make a mark in the final game of the white-ball leg of the tour, before the seniors return for the Test series starting December 26.
Head-To-Head Record
India and South Africa have faced off 93 times in ODIs, in which the latter have the upper hand, overall. Of these 93 games, India have won 39, while South Africa have emerged victorious on 51 occasions. Three matches ended without a result. In the last five clashes, however, India have fared better, winning four and losing only the previous game in Gqeberha.
Weather Conditions
It is expected to be a hot day in Paarl, with the maximum temperature hovering around 36 degrees Celsius as per AccuWeather. The minimum temperature will be close to 16 degrees, and there is no chance of rain.
Squads
India: Ruturaj Gaikwad, B Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (capt, wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams
With that, here's a look at the TV telecast and live streaming details of the IND vs RSA cricket match
When will the third ODI between India and South Africa be played?
The third and final ODI between India and South Africa will be played on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 4:30pm IST.
Where will the third ODI between India and South Africa be played?
The third ODI between India and South Africa will be played at at Boland Park, Paarl, in South Africa.
On which TV channel will the match be telecast?
The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network.
Where will the match be live-streamed?
The match will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website.
