India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025: Match Preview, Key Players, and Predictions

The series between India and South Africa now heads to the final match. Both sides have picked up one win apiece so far. South Africa grabbed a thrilling victory in the 2nd ODI at Raipur and chased 359 with four wickets in hand. 

Now everything points to an intense showdown at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 6, 2025. Each team showed real strengths across the first two games. This one should wrap up the series in exciting fashion.

This piece looks at how both squads have been performing lately. We cover key players worth keeping an eye on. Plus some thoughts on what might happen in the third ODI. The whole thing stays up for grabs right now.

Recent Performance and Head-to-Head

India’s Recent Form

India enters this one with a bit of up and down results from late. They put up a tough 358 for 5 in the second ODI. Virat Kohli led the way with his fine 102 off 93 balls. Still, they could not hold on. South Africa got there pretty steadily in the finish. They won by four wickets and four balls to spare.

That defeat followed their 17-run success in the opener. Kohli stood out again there with another hundred. The team has dealt with some rough patches. Their bowlers had trouble containing South Africa's middle batsmen last time. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli led the charge. Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav also played crucial roles in helping India recover during the match.

South Africa’s Recent Form

South Africa kicked off with a loss in the first ODI. They missed by 17 runs even after putting up a solid fight. Things flipped hard in the second, though. Aiden Markram delivered a game-changing 110 off 98 balls. He steered them to that close win. 

Dewald Brevis chipped in nicely with 54 from 34 deliveries; Markram earned Player of the Match honors for it all. So, South Africa wants to carry that momentum forward and end the series comfortably.

Each side has grabbed its share of highlights. India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025 in Visakhapatnam is the real turning point.

Key Players to Watch

India:

1. Virat Kohli
   Kohli has shown some really strong form lately. He leads the team right from the start with those big centuries in both ODIs so far. In the first match, he put up 135 runs on the board. The second one saw him get 102. His knack for holding the innings together will matter a ton in this big pressure game.
    
2. Rohit Sharma
   Rohit brings a lot of experience to the top spot for India. That is something they really value. He is famous for his quick and powerful batting style. A solid knock from him could swing things India's way pretty fast. Over his last 10 ODIs, he has racked up 453 runs. His strike rate sits at a steady 95.36.
    
3. Kuldeep Yadav
   Kuldeep Yadav works his spin magic well on the field. He can grab key wickets during those middle overs. The way he controls the ball and makes it turn might help hold back South Africa's batters right there. That could make a real difference.
    
4. Harshit Rana
   Rana caught eyes in the recent ODIs with his play. His speed and spot-on accuracy turn him into a strong option for India's pace attack. He picked up 14 wickets across the last 7 matches. His economy rate stayed at 5.73. Expect him to test South Africa's top order hard.

South Africa:

1. Aiden Markram
   South Africa has some solid players, too. Aiden Markram stands out with his batting lately. He scored a key 110 runs in that second ODI. His steady approach and smart pacing keep him reliable for the team. In a match that decides the series, he could play a huge role.
    
2. Matthew Breetzke
   Breetzke held things together in the middle for South Africa. He made 68 runs from 64 balls during the second ODI. That calm style of his helps build steady partnerships. Rotating the strike smoothly will be important for them now.
    
3. Dewald Brevis
   Brevis brings youth and fire to the batting line. He speeds things up well in the middle phase. In the second ODI, his 54 runs came off just 34 balls. That effort got South Africa nearer to its goal. He will matter just as much in this third one.
    
4. Lungi Ngidi
   Ngidi steps up as South Africa's main bowler these days. He takes wickets and keeps the pressure on with his fast stuff. Breaking up batting pairs comes naturally to him. Those breakthroughs could give his side the edge they need.

India vs South Africa 3rd ODI Predictions

1. Top Batters (Runs Scored)
    
   • Virat Kohli (India): Kohli is in sublime form and could once again score big for India. His experience in big matches will be critical.
      
   • Aiden Markram (South Africa): After his match-winning knock in the second ODI, Markram will be looking to play another significant innings and guide his team to victory.
      
2. Top Bowler (Wickets Taken)
    
   • Kuldeep Yadav (India): With his ability to get key wickets in the middle overs, Kuldeep is likely to be India’s main weapon in breaking partnerships.
      
   • Marco Jansen (South Africa): Jansen’s will be important in taking early wickets and putting pressure on India’s top order.
      
3. Match Prediction:
    
   • India will have the advantage of playing at home, but South Africa's confidence from the 2nd ODI, coupled with the in-form performances of Markram and Brevis, makes them strong contenders to win the 3rd ODI.

Match Centre and Venue Details

• Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
   
• Date: December 6, 2025
   
• Match Timing: 1:00 PM Local Time
   
• Match Type: ODI (D/N)
   
• Overs: 50 overs per side

Both teams have the firepower to win, and it will be a battle of skill, strategy, and composure. With the series on the line, expect a high-intensity match between two of cricket’s strongest teams.