India's quest for second ODI series win in South Africa
| Date | December 21, 2023 |
| Time | 4:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Boland Park, Paarl |
| Format | ODI |
| Series | India tour of South Africa, 2023-24 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Rassie van der Dussen has of 3.90 to be South Africa's best batsman
- Ruturaj Giikwad has odds of 3.85 to be India's best batsman
- Tabraiz Shamsi has odds of 3.85 to be South Africa's best bowler
- Kuldeep Yadav has odds of 3.50 to be India's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
The stage is all set for an exciting finish in the three-match ODI series. If the Indians demolished the South Africans in the 1st game, the South Africans returned the favors in the second match with an 8-wicket win. The hosts, who have struggled with consistency in the last 12 months, would like to use this momentum to win the series. The odds are against them, and the side will need an all-round show from their players. The Indians would look to get over the poor show in the last game and make the best use of the resources. Both teams have high stakes, and it will be an exciting contest.
South Africa Preview
Aiden Markram's side pulled off an excellent win in the second ODI. They undid all the mistakes in the first game and were brilliant with the bat and the ball. Markram will take pride in how his bowlers troubled the Indians in the last match and shall want them to push for the kill. It won't be an easy battle, and the South African skipper would look to use the home advantage.
The side will need a good start from Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi, who will be confident after his electrifying hundred in the last game. The middle order has good firepower, and the side will expect a good show from Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen. The side will expect quick runs in the lower middle order from David Miller and Wiaan Mulder.
The Indian top order lacks experience, and the new ball pair of Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams will look to trouble them at the start. Wiaan Mulder and Beuran Hendricks have an important role in the middle overs. Keshav Maharaj will look to turn the ball and trouble the Indians along with Markram.
Expected Starting XI for South Africa
Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi,Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Beuran Hendricks Keshav Maharaj
India Preview
KL Rahul's team suffered a meltdown with the bat in the last game. They lost wickets at regular intervals and put up only 211 on the board, which was never enough on a good batting surface. The side will look to make a strong comeback here. They are favorites on cricket betting apps, and Rahul would like his side to live up to this reputation.
Sai Sudarshan is in good form, and the side will need him to deliver a good start along with Ruturaj Gaikwad. Rahul has to lead from the front and build partnerships with Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma in the middle order. Rinku Singh is a powerful striker and add runs with Axar Patel in the lower middle order.
Arshdeep Singh did well in the first game, and he will look to pick early wickets along with Mukesh Kumar and unsettle the South African top order. Kuldeep Yadav has a good record against them, and he needs to do well in the middle overs with Avesh Khan. Patel and Varma will look to well in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for India
KL Rahul (c & wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
TOSS: To Bat First
The wicket here is known for slowing down in the second half. Chasing scores is difficult on this wicket, and most sides have won games batting first. Both captains will take a cue from it and opt to bat first on winning the toss.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
The skies over Paarl will be clear, and we expect a good surface. The track has something for the fast bowlers at the start. Batsmen who get their eyes set on can do well on this surface. The side batting first will be happy to have 300 on the board, as chasing scores is never easy on this track.
OUR PREDICTION
South Africans have made a strong comeback in the series. The side has had a problem with consistency, and the batting line-up has struggled in this series. They must bat well in this game against the strong attack of the Indians. The Indian team has depth in the bowling attack, which will give them an edge, according to our cricket betting tips.
Our Prediction is for India to win
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