The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa stands-levelled 1-1 with the third and final ODI set to be staged in Paarl. With much of the focus on the T20Is given that the T20 World Cup is scheduled in June next year, the ODI series seems to be losing significance. With the series tied at 1-1 and the IPL Auction 2024 done and dusted more eyeballs would be catching the action on the cricket field in a winners take all series decider where teams would be wanting to test themselves and get under pressure.
A picturesque venue for the series decider.
Hello and welcome to Boland Park for the third ODI.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/hNsUBhKMsp
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 21, 2023
Sanju Samson will be in the spotlight once again. While he did not get to bat in the series opener, he did not get too many balls under his belt in the second ODI which will make this opportunity a golden one for him, considering he hasn’t got a consistent long run with so much of competition. He hasn’t been been able to leave an impact either and that would be a great chance for him if he gets a chance lower down the order.
Landed in Paarl ✅
Ready for the ODI series decider 👍 👍#TeamIndia | #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/Txllph4tdl
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 21, 2023
At the outset, things look set for quite the most perfect end to the ODI series before the two teams lock-horns for the Test matches in the only Test playing nation where India are yet to win a series.
Probable Playing 11s:
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi/Lizaad Williams
India: Ruturaj Gaikwad, B Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (captain & wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson, Rajat Patidar/Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar