India vs South Africa Match Prediction: Who will win today's 3rd IND vs SA 2025 ODI match?

Vizag will host an all-important ODI series decider between India and South Africa on Saturday, December 6. With the rubber all square at 1-1 and the hosts under serious pressure, both teams will have everything to play for.

The Proteas have been hit by injuries, with both Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger sustaining hamstring niggles in the previous game. The duo have been replaced by Ryan Rickelton and Ottneil Baartman, with the latter being a big loss. Rickelton's inclusion could also disturb the settled top order.

India, meanwhile, have made one change. Tilak Varma has come in for Washington Sundar and is likely to bat at No. 5 while also chipping in with an over or two. More importantly, the Men in Blue have won the toss and elected to bowl, giving themselves a big advantage.

India's squad for the South Africa ODI series: KL Rahul (c), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel.

South Africa's squad for the India ODI series: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen.

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IND vs SA 2025: Enthralling decider on the cards in Vizag

England v South Africa - 3rd Metro Bank ODI - Source: Getty

With the toss in their favor, India could make the most of dew-hit batting conditions in the second innings in Vizag. The venue is known to make batting easier in the chase, and the Men in Blue have a number of players who can capitalize on that.

Also, Burger's absence will be a big blow to South Africa. They might not have the powerplay bowling threat needed to disrupt India's top three of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, particularly in the second innings. If the openers can get off to a good start, the home side would be firmly in the driver's seat.

South Africa bat deep and have played an impressive brand of cricket through the middle overs, but whether they can do the same batting first remains uncertain. The Proteas might be the underdogs for this one, although that isn't a tag that has meant much in recent times.

Prediction: India to win the 3rd ODI vs South Africa.