Sat Dec 06 08:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article: India Opts to Bowl in Decisive 3rd ODI Against South Africa

Visakhapatnam, India – India won the toss and elected to bowl first in the crucial third and final ODI against South Africa, currently underway at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. This marks the end of a streak of 20 consecutive ODI toss losses for the Indian side.

In team news, India has brought in Tilak Varma in place of Washington Sundar. South Africa have made two changes, including Riyaan Rickelton and Ottneil Bartman, while Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi sit this one out.

Playing XIs:

  • India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (C/WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
  • South Africa: Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Rubein Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Bartman

Match Updates:

Arshdeep Singh provided an early breakthrough for India, dismissing opener Riyaan Rickelton for a duck in the very first over. South Africa recovered somewhat, reaching 60/1 in the 11th over, with Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma at the crease. Early play has seen bowlers finding some assistance from the pitch and South African players are pressured.

The match is being broadcast on the Star Sports Network and live streaming is available on Jio Hotstar. With the series level at 1-1, both teams will be eager to clinch victory in this final encounter.

Other News:

  • South Africa were dealt a blow before the match with Kagiso Rabada ruled out.
  • All eyes are on whether Virat Kohli can make it three centuries in a row.
  • Temba Bavuma’s captaincy will also be crucial for South Africa.

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