The hosts South Africa head into the third ODI in Paarl with momentum on their side following a thrashing of the Men in Blue in the second ODI in Gqeberga. The Proteas beat the visitors by eight wickets, with more than seven overs to spare.
The third ODI is set to take place at the Boland Park, in Paarl. The game at Boland Park would be the final bit of white-ball action in this series. The T20I and ODI would be a thing of past, as the teams would then shift the focus on the all-important Test series. The two-match Test series is a part of the World Test Championship Cycle (2023-25).
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For the hosts, Aiden Markram will continue to be the captain of the side, with Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj, and David Miller all being in the squad. The Proteas have firepower in their batting line-up, and have risen to the occasion in Gqeberha. But can they do it one more time?
As for India, KL Rahul will continue to assume the captaincy duties in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Rinku Singh, who was handed a debut in Gqeberha, would get the nod once more. Young and impressive Sai Sudharshan would hope to end the series on a high, after impressive outings in Jo'burg and Gqeberha.
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South Africa vs India: Predicted lineups
South Africa Predicted XI: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (C), Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams
India Predicted XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patiday, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C & WK), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa vs India: Head-to-Head in ODIs
The two sides have met each other in ODIs 93 times, with South Africa winning 51 games to India's 39.
| Matches played | SA Wins | IND Wins | Tie/NR |
| 93 | 51 | 39 | 0/3 |
South Africa vs India 3rd ODI: Toss
In the past, the pitch at Boland Park in Paarl has been a batting-friendly surface. The pitch has favoured the batsmen, with the average first innings score at the venue being as high as 250. Five of the last six games have seen scores ahead of the par score.
Moreover, the bowlers are expected to get assistance from the pitch during the later part of the day. Both pacers and spinners get much-needed help in the second innings. We believe that the team winning the toss could choose to bat first and defend the target later. It would give them a double advantage over the opposition.
South Africa vs India 3rd ODI: Prediction
Both the hosts and the visitors do not have a full-strength team, especially when it comes to the bowling unit. A few players were even handed their debuts in the series so far.
India will be facing the dilemma of whether to play two spinners or opt for three. Remember, India have three frontline spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal, with bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar also being a part of the squad.
The pace bowling lineup for both teams lacks experience. India have Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep. For the Proteas, it's the same problem with Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Wiaan Mulder, Ottniel Baartman, and Mihlali Mpongwana are not too experienced either.
When it comes to the batting department, South Africa's lineup looks more assured than India's. The momentum is with the hosts, and we would predict them to rise on to the occasion, having home advantage by their side.
If we were to predict, South Africa would seal the series by winning the decisive encounter in Paarl.
South Africa vs India: Betting odds for 3rd ODI
According to Dafabet, none of the teams head in as clear favourites to win the 3rd and final ODI of the series.
| Team | Betting odds |
| South Africa | 1.92 |
| India | 1.93 |
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