The coastal city of Visakhapatnam is pulsating with anticipation as it prepares to host the series-deciding third and final One-Day International between India and South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on Saturday. With the three-match series tantalizingly poised at 1-1, the stakes could not be higher for both teams in this winner-takes-all encounter.
The Stage is Set for a Grand Finale
The excitement has been amplified by the presence of modern-day greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. For many fans, this match could represent the final time these two stalwarts play an ODI on Indian soil, adding a layer of nostalgia to the high-pressure contest. Kohli arrives in sublime touch, having scored back-to-back centuries in the first two ODIs, including a record-extending 52nd ODI ton in the opener. Rohit, whose mother hails from Vizag, is also in fine form with a century and two fifties in his last four innings, making this a special homecoming.
The series narrative has been one of dramatic swings. India seized the initiative in the first ODI, defending a 350-run target to win by 17 runs, despite a fierce fightback from South Africa's Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67). However, the Proteas showcased their formidable chasing prowess in the second game, successfully hunting down a joint-highest target of 359 runs against India to win by four wickets and level the series. This remarkable chase was powered by a brilliant 98-ball 110 from Aiden Markram, with valuable contributions from Matthew Breetzke (68) and a blistering 34-ball 54 from Dewald Brevis.
Key Battles and Indian Concerns
India will once again lean heavily on their experienced duo at the top. However, the form of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal remains a concern. He has managed starts but failed to convert them, with his technical vulnerability against left-arm pace being exploited by Jansen and Nandre Burger. Statistics reveal he has fallen to the cut shot against left-armers 30 times across formats, a glaring issue the team management must address.
While Ruturaj Gaikwad adapted impressively with a maiden century at No. 4 and skipper KL Rahul is in good touch with consecutive fifties, India's search for a reliable finisher continues. The team has lacked the firepower to add those crucial 20-30 extra runs in the death overs. The onus will be on Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja to excel in that role, with options like Tilak Varma or Rishabh Pant waiting in the wings.
India's bowling attack has looked less threatening in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. While Arshdeep Singh has been impressive, Prasidh Krishna has struggled, conceding 133 runs in 15.4 overs across two matches. The bowlers have also been hampered by heavy dew, having lost the toss and bowled second in both games. The role clarity for all-rounder Washington Sundar, who bowled only seven overs in two matches, is also under scrutiny.
Proteas' Confidence and Historical Stakes
In contrast, the South African batting unit is riding a wave of confidence. Even with Quinton de Kock yet to find his rhythm, the lineup boasts serious threats in Markram, captain Temba Bavuma, the explosive Brevis, and the consistent Breetzke. The lower-order batting prowess of Jansen and Bosch further compounds India's problems.
For the hosts, this series decider carries significant weight. After suffering an embarrassing 0-2 defeat in the preceding Test series, it is imperative for India to win the ODI series to silence the critics. The last time India lost both the Test and ODI series in a bilateral tour was in South Africa in 2021-22. At home, India haven't lost both series on a tour since Pakistan's victory in 1986-87.
With batter-friendly conditions and significant dew expected in the evening, winning the toss will once again be crucial. India have a strong record in Vizag, having won seven of their 10 ODIs here since 2005, but their last match at this venue ended in a defeat to Australia. All these factors set the stage for a thrilling climax to the series in the port city.
