In one of the most gripping ODI rivalries of recent years, India and South Africa now stand locked at 1-1 as the three-match series heads into a high-pressure finale in Visakhapatnam on December 6, 2025. After India’s narrow victory in Ranchi and South Africa’s stunning chase of 359 in Raipur, the third ODI promises a high-stakes finish. Both sides enter the contest with momentum, questions, and historic milestones on the line.
From date, time, venue and squads to pitch stats, ticketing details, streaming information and on-field storylines—here is everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways for IND vs SA 3rd ODI: Full Match Details, Pitch, Telecast, Tickets & On-Field Stakes
- India and South Africa are tied 1-1, making the Visakhapatnam ODI the series decider.
- Match scheduled on December 6, 2025, at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
- Day-night match begins at 1:30 PM IST, with toss at 1:00 PM IST.
- The venue is known for a batting-friendly pitch, offering spin later in the game.
- India lost the 2nd ODI despite scoring 358/5, raising concerns about bowling balance.
- Squads for both teams remain unchanged, with several stars chasing major personal milestones.
- Tickets available via District (Zomato), Viagogo, ACA portal, and stadium box office.
- Live telecast on Star Sports Network and streaming on JioHotstar.
A High-Pressure Finale Awaits in Visakhapatnam
The India–South Africa series has lived up to its billing with two high-scoring thrillers. India opened the contest with a 17-run win in Ranchi, but South Africa answered with one of their greatest overseas chases—359—in Raipur. Aiden Markram’s century and vital middle-order support stunned the Indian attack, which struggled heavily due to late-evening dew.
KL Rahul admitted the conditions made defending nearly impossible: he emphasised how the toss played a decisive role and expressed disappointment at losing it again. India have now lost 20 consecutive tosses, a streak that has become a talking point ahead of the decider.
With the Test series already lost 0-2, India cannot afford another setback. The ODI finale is not just about winning a trophy—it is about salvaging pride and closing the 2025 ODI season on a strong note.
IND vs SA 3rd ODI: Date, Time & Venue
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- Match Start: 1:30 PM IST
- Toss: 1:00 PM IST
The Vizag pitch is known for high-scoring games, a fast outfield and little assistance for pacers. Spinners, however, have historically enjoyed better control as the match progresses.
IND vs SA 3rd ODI: Pitch Report and Venue Statistics
The ACA-VDCA stadium has traditionally produced batting-friendly surfaces. Past decade numbers reflect how the venue often supports big totals:
Average 1st Innings Scores (2016–2023)
| Year | Avg Score |
| 2016 | 269 |
| 2017 | 215 |
| 2018 | 321 |
| 2019 | 387 |
| 2023 | 117* |
*2023 was an exception due to an extraordinary spell by Mitchell Starc.
Bowling Averages at Vizag
| Type | Average | Economy | Balls/Wicket |
| Fast Bowlers | 40.47 | 6.30 | 38.5 |
| Spin Bowlers | 30.80 | 5.69 | 32.4 |
Spinners have clearly been more effective, and with India lacking a specialist strike spinner in the first two ODIs, this aspect has been widely discussed by experts.
Full Squads for IND vs SA 3rd ODI
India Squad
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (c/wk), Rishabh Pant, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel.
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton, Rubin Hermann, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Prenelan Subrayen.
How to Buy Tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI
Ticket sales opened on November 28, 2025, and demand has surged ahead of the decider.
Where to Buy Tickets
- District (by Zomato) app
- Viagogo
- ACA official ticketing portal
- Stadium Box Office (limited availability)
Ticket Prices
- ₹750 – ₹1,000: General Stands
- ₹5,000 – ₹12,000: Premium Seating
- ₹15,000 – ₹18,000: Hospitality & VIP Zones
Fans are strongly advised to book early due to the high-stakes nature of the match.
India’s Selection Concerns Ahead of Decider
India posted 358/5 in the 2nd ODI but failed to defend it. Critics have pointed out the absence of a specialist spinner. While Jadeja and Washington Sundar provide batting depth, they lack the penetration needed to restrict teams crossing 350 consistently.
Also Read: Rohit–Kohli vs Gambhir: Inside the Cold Silence Shaking Team India’s ODI Dressing Room
Prasidh Krishna’s expensive spells have also come under scrutiny. There is growing belief that KL Rahul may introduce changes—possibly bringing in Rishabh Pant or Nitish Kumar Reddy, or giving Tilak Varma an opportunity.
Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Race for ICC No. 1 Ranking
A fascinating subplot surrounds two of India’s greatest batters:
- Rohit Sharma currently sits at ODI Rank No. 1 with 783 points.
- Virat Kohli is at No. 4 with 751 points, just 32 behind Rohit.
Since Daryl Mitchell and Ibrahim Zadran are not playing ODIs at the moment, the top position may shift based on the outcome of this match. Both Rohit and Kohli are in stellar form, with Kohli scoring back-to-back centuries in this series.
Both also eye major milestones:
- Rohit is just 5 sixes away from becoming the first player to hit 650 international sixes.
- Kohli needs 107 runs to overtake Kumar Sangakkara and become the second-highest run-getter in international cricket.
IND vs SA 3rd ODI Telecast and Live Streaming
Television
Star Sports Network will broadcast the match live across India.
Online Streaming
The JioHotstar app and website will stream the match live (subscription required).
What This Series Decider Means for India
India have won 10 of their 13 ODIs in 2025, but back-to-back defeats in Tests and a potential ODI series loss could dent morale ahead of the five-match T20I series. With Shubman Gill likely to return in T20Is if fit, this ODI becomes crucial for finishing the year on a strong note.
The Road Ahead for Both Teams
As India and South Africa prepare for one final battle in Vizag, momentum, bragging rights, ranking battles and personal milestones all converge into a single contest. The decider is set to test strategy, composure, adaptability and depth on both sides.
A Defining Clash Awaits in Visakhapatnam
The IND vs SA 3rd ODI is more than a simple series finale. It is a test of India’s resilience after a shocking defeat, a chance for South Africa to complete a memorable comeback, and a stage for Rohit and Kohli to chase career-defining milestones. With packed stands, global viewership and razor-thin margins expected, Visakhapatnam is prepared for a spectacle that could define India’s ODI season.
FAQs on India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025
1. When is the India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025?
The IND vs SA 3rd ODI will be played on December 6, 2025, at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
2. What time will IND vs SA 3rd ODI start?
The match begins at 1:30 PM IST, while the toss will take place at 1:00 PM IST in Visakhapatnam.
3. Where can fans watch IND vs SA 3rd ODI live?
The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.
4. How to book tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI in Vizag?
Tickets are available on District (Zomato) app, Viagogo, ACA’s official portal, and limited stadium box office counters.
5. What is special about the Vizag pitch for IND vs SA 3rd ODI?
The Vizag pitch is batting-friendly, offers high-scoring conditions, and generally provides more assistance to spinners than fast bowlers as the match progresses.
