🏏SA vs India, 3rd ODI: Venue: Boland Park, Paarl 🏏

🏏SA vs India, 3rd ODI: Venue: Boland Park, Paarl 🏏

In a thrilling culmination to the three-match One Day International (ODI) series, South Africa is gearing up to face India in the decisive third ODI at Boland Park in Paarl today, December 21.

The high-stakes encounter follows a roller-coaster ride of performances that have left the series evenly poised at 1-1.

The Proteas made a stunning comeback in the second ODI in Gqeberha, securing an emphatic 8-wicket victory to level the series.

The match showcased a display of formidable batting and clinical bowling by the South African team, ultimately proving too much for the visitors to handle.

India, however, had set the tone in the series opener with a commanding win, putting them ahead initially. The see-saw nature of the competition has added an extra layer of excitement to the cricket spectacle, setting the stage for a nail-biting series finale.

Who says a side that was dominant in one match can't be dominated two days later? Who says their dominated opponents can't turn dominators? We know from this year's World Cup that one team can dominate for 10 consecutive games and then lose when it matters.

India aims for a series win, relying on a solid start from openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and B Sai Sudharsan. While Sudharsan impressed with scores of 55 and 62, Gaikwad struggled, leading to a fragile opening partnership. South Africa's openers, Tony de Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks, built a successful 130-run partnership in the previous match.

Young talent Tilak Varma has faced challenges, needing to rediscover his form. Without Shreyas Iyer in the middle order, the responsibility falls on the top order.

Consistency is the only currency that matters" is among those glib bits of management-speak trotted out by those bent on achieving a dull drip of excellence.

Consistency is why no one likes Australia's teams except other Australians—because they keep winning. It's also why Australia's rare failures are celebrated everywhere else.

There are some exciting Indian players playing in the third ODI. KL Rahul hit a fifty in the 2nd match and would want a big hundred to not just help India win the series but also get ready for the Tests ahead. Let's see of Rinku Singh gets another game. Shubman Gill's bat also needs to do some talking before the series ends.

Boland Park Pitch Report:

The Boland Park in Paarl consistently produces tracks favorable to batters, and the pitch’s characteristics, along with the relatively small dimensions of the ground, allow batters to amass significant runs. Bowlers often encounter difficulties at this venue; however, in the event of cloudy conditions, fast bowlers may experience some lateral movement with the new ball.

Boland Park's batsman-friendly pitch may favour India. Concerns exist in India's bowling, with Mukesh Kumar yet to make an impact. The team contemplates changes, possibly introducing veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. South Africa looks to De Zorzi and fast bowler Nandre Burger for strong performances. Squads include KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Avesh Khan for India, and Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, and Beuran Hendricks for South Africa.

What to expect:Thirty-six degree heat, hardly a soothing breeze, not a drop of rain, a slowish pitch - 300 has been passed three times in the 15 men's ODIs played here, but not 400 - and the most joyous crowd in the country; perhaps in all cricket.

Team news:

South Africa:

With Tony de Zorzi, Nandre Burger and Beuran Hendricks starring at St George's Park to level the series, changes would be ill-advised.

Possible XI:Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (capt), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Beuran Hendricks

India:

Despite Tuesday's result it's difficult, given that conditions in Paarl are likely to be similar to those in Gqeberha, to see how India could improve on their XI.

Possible XI:Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (capt), Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

South Africa was rumbled for 116 on Sunday. India shambled to 211 all-out on Tuesday. Poor batting and fine bowling on decent surfaces were common to both matches. And here we are, keen to see what will unfold on Thursday.

What they said:

"Teams can have one or two bad performances. That's part of the game. But our team is resilient. The guys were confident we'd be able to get back into our stride. I can't give you a reason why there can be such polarised performances by both teams, but I think it shows you they are high quality teams." - Tony de Zorzi tries to explain why the first two matches have delivered starkly contrasting one-sided results

The venue is known for its balanced pitches, giving batters the chance to score runs and bowlers the chance to pick wickets.

Head-To-Head Record

In the 93 ODIs played between India and South Africa, the Proteas hold the advantage in head-to-head records. They've secured victory in 51 matches, while India has emerged triumphant in 39 encounters.

All Eyes On Sai Sudharsan

Said Sudharsan has had a terrific start to his international career, striking two fifties in the first 2 ODIs of this series, and that too in overseas conditions. Watching Sudharsan bat, it does not feel like he is batting in his first international series. He already looks very polished for this stage, and these are great signs for Indian cricket.

The good news for cricket fans is that the chances of rain are less at the venue where this contest is going to take place. The game will begin at 1:00 PM local time of South Africa.

The winner of the third and final ODI game will win the series. India knew before the tour it will be a tough against the Proteas at their home soil and similar thing is on the plate for them at the moment.

The winner of the third and final ODI game will win the series. India knew before the tour that it would be tough against the Proteas at their home soil, and similar thing is on the plate for them at the moment.

21:16 PM

Pressure on Samson

Sanju Samson needs to perform if he gets a chance in the third and final ODI of the 3-match series. He has been many chances in Indian jersey but has failed to impress.

While the IPL auction rumbled on with new records and big buys, South Africa beat India in the second ODI and prevented the visitores from running away with a victory. The Proteas were comprehensively bested by the Indians in the first match but they dame roaring back in the second. All this means that, going into the third ODI of this series, both sides have an equal chance at taking it.