Winner takes all at Paarl as India and South Africa clash in the ODI series decider

It is going to be a winner-take-all battle at Boland Park as India clash with South Africa in the ODI series decider, with the fray level at 1-1. Both the teams have had their crests and troughs in the series with India calling the shots at Johannesburg while the hosts staged a strong turnaround of affairs at Gqeberha.

The Indian batters failed to live up to the lofty expectations that were pinned on them in the second contest of the series while their bowlers had an off-day too. However, going by the sequence of the series, a new-look Team India has been heavily impressive and it is expected that they will be doing a better job when it comes to the final ODI. 

South Africa may be short on experience with the side teeming with too many youngsters, but truth be told, the exciting young talents posted by the Proteas have been sensational to watch with Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger spearheading the charge for the hosts in various departments.

Both the teams will have to conjure their best performances at Boland Park to claim the ultimate prize with the pendulum slightly tipped towards the hosts. Expect an absolute crackerjack of a contest to rock the Boland Park as two cricketing juggernauts collide.

Venue Watch:

Boland Park has hosted quite a significant number of matches since 1997 with an enriching history of cricketing stalwarts taking the front seat. The surface has always been conducive for the batters but with decent pace and movement the fast bowlers can be a real threat to the opposition. If you are capable of hitting the deck hard, you may just be in for a jackpot while smart batting can be rewarding too.

Head to Head:

Matches played: 93

South Africa - 39

India – 51

Match Details:

Match – South Africa vs India

Venue: Boland Park, Paarl

Date: 21st December, 2023

Time: 4:30 PM

Squads:

India: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep.

South Africa:  Aiden Markram (Captain), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams