The India men’s team meet South Africa in the second match of the Men’s One Day International Series at the modern and spacious Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Naya Raipur on 3rd December. The match is scheduled to begin at 08:00 UK time, which converts to 13:30 IST. With the series finely poised, both sides will be determined to seize the advantage in what promises to be a fiercely contested ODI.
Form Guide
India
India enter this match with confidence after several strong white-ball performances. Their batting lineup has looked increasingly settled, combining a reliable top order with a middle unit capable of rebuilding or accelerating as required. The bowling attack—particularly the spinners—has been consistent, and death-overs execution continues to improve.
- Top-order consistency contributing to strong starts.
- Spinners controlling the middle overs effectively.
- Lower-order contributions adding depth in tight games.
South Africa
South Africa have shown competitive spirit despite mixed recent results. Their pace attack remains a major strength, capable of troubling India even on flat surfaces. The batting lineup possesses firepower but has been prone to losing clusters of wickets, an area they will seek to address in Naya Raipur.
- Pace attack offering genuine wicket-taking threat.
- Middle order displaying improved composure under pressure.
- Fielding intensity contributing to key turning points.
Key Players
India
- Rohit Sharma – The captain’s timing and strokeplay make him crucial to India’s top-order success.
- Shreyas Iyer – A dependable middle-order stabiliser who thrives in rotating strike and building partnerships.
- Mohammed Siraj – In-form seamer capable of early breakthroughs with seam and swing.
South Africa
- Quinton de Kock – Explosive opener who can shift momentum rapidly with his aggressive strokeplay.
- Aiden Markram – Composed middle-order leader offering stability and intent.
- Kagiso Rabada – Premier fast bowler whose accuracy and hostility pose a major challenge.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Naya Raipur typically offers a good batting surface with even bounce and value for shots. Seamers may enjoy movement under lights, while spinners could influence the middle overs with subtle turn. Conditions are expected to be dry and warm, providing an ideal setting for a high-scoring ODI.
India vs South Africa – Prediction
India’s familiarity with home conditions and their balanced lineup give them a slight edge heading into this fixture. Expect Shreyas Iyer to play a key middle-order role, while Quinton de Kock remains vital to South Africa’s hopes. With greater depth and match winners across departments, India appear better positioned to take the series lead.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Shreyas Iyer – Reliable accumulator ideal for ODI fantasy formats.
- Quinton de Kock – High-impact opener with strong scoring potential.
- Mohammed Siraj – Proven wicket-taker with excellent new-ball form.
