With the series tied at 1-1, India and South Africa will lock horns in the series decider starting January 11 (Tuesday) at the Newlands in Cape Town. While the visitors will be keen to win their first series in the rainbow nation, this series victory will play a major significant in taking cricket forward in South Africa.
South Africa, on the other hand, would back themselves to win in Cape Town, considering that they have lost only two games in this venue. The Proteas might be tempted to play an extra batsman or an all-rounder in place of Keshav Maharaj at Newlands, traditionally known for assisting the pacers.
On the other hand, India will welcome back skipper Virat Kohli for the series decider in Cape Town. It’s a venue where they are yet to win a Test match, but if we have learnt anything from this Indian Test team in the recent past, it is that they have a knack for conquering fortresses. They will also have go without Mohammed Siraj, who copped up a hamstring injury in the last game.
Match Details
South Africa vs India, 3rd Test
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Date & Time: January 11th-15th, at 2:00 PM IST and 10:30 AM Local Time
Pitch Report
The wicket is one of the fiercest wickets for pace bowling and the team winning the toss would fancy to bowl first and knock out the opponents before setting a big total.
South Africa vs India – Predicted Playing XI
India: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav/Ishant Sharma
South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi
Match Prediction – Who will win the match?
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams will give their everything to win the series decider. It will be an exciting five days of cricket with both India and South Africa showing signs they can beat each other on any given day.
While the Proteas have lost only two games in this venue, India will have a little edge going into this game considering the talent they possess in their playing XI.
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