After winning the 1st ODI, Team India succumbed to a 8-wicket loss at the hands of South Africa in the 2nd ODI between these two sides on 19th December 2023. The 3rd and final ODI will be played on 21st December 2023 and the stakes and the excitement levels are quite high.
Skippered by Aiden Markram, South Africa staged a remarkable comeback in the 2nd ODI and snapped the 4-match losing streak against India in this format. They would be pretty confident ahead of the 3rd ODI and would be looking to outclass India in all the departments of this game.
India have to fix their middle-order problems, which were highlighted in the 2nd ODI. India’s bowling looks on point and the bowlers would be key players to watch out for in the 3rd ODI.
We take a look at the top 3 vice-captain choices for the 3rd SA vs IND ODI, which will be played at Boland Park, Paarl:
1. Arshdeep Singh (India)
With 5 wickets in the 1st ODI, Arshdeep Singh had deservedly bagged the player of the match award against South Africa. He had less runs to defend in the next game but still managed to take a wicket against the Proteas.
Singh has been one of the most consistent bowlers for India in this tour and would be looking to scythe through the batting department of South Africa in the 3rd ODI.
2. Tony de Zorzi (South Africa)
South African young batter, Tony de Zorzi, played a superb knock of 119* runs in the previous game and took the Proteas home. He played a very mature brand of cricket and avoided taking risks against the Indian bowlers.
Tony smashed 9 fours and 6 sixes and had a healthy strike-rate of 97.54. We can expect him to deliver the goods for South Africa in the 3rd ODI at Boland Park in Paarl.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (India)
Despite getting out for just a paltry score of 4 runs in the 2nd ODI, we back Ruturaj Gaikwad to perform well in the 3rd and final ODI at Paarl. He is one of the most stylish and flamboyant batters at the top and if given an opportunity, he can create something special on 21st December 2023.
Gaikwad has played 6 ODIs for India so far and has amassed 115 runs, with a highest score of 71 runs, which came against Australia in September 2023.
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