Arshdeep Singh gave India an ideal start in the third ODI against South Africa in Vizag on Saturday, December 6. The left-arm pacer removed Ryan Rickelton for a four-ball duck, with the visitors losing their first wicket for just one run. The breakthrough arrived on the fifth ball of South Africa’s innings, when Arshdeep delivered a fuller ball that swung away outside off.
Rickelton attempted an expansive drive but only edged it faintly, allowing captain KL Rahul to safely pouch the catch behind the stumps. You can watch the video here:
India land a perfect opening blow! 🎯@arshdeepsinghh new-ball swing does the trick as Rickelton departs without scoring in the very first over! 😍#INDvSA 3rd ODI, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/Es5XpUmR5v pic.twitter.com/eYqRKFdglS
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 6, 2025
With this breakthrough, Arshdeep Singh further extended his strong record of striking during the powerplay overs. The 26-year-old had already claimed two wickets each in the first two matches of the series. On the other hand, Rickelton let another chance slip away, registering yet another duck after suffering the same fate in the first ODI in Ranchi.
Arshdeep Delivers Early Blow After India Choose To Bowl In Series Decider
Arshdeep Singh handed India an early breakthrough after skipper KL Rahul won the toss and elected to bowl in the third ODI. With this, India finally snapped their 20-match streak of losing the toss. The Men in Blue will be eager to deliver a stronger bowling performance, especially after South Africa chased down 359 in dew-heavy conditions during the second ODI in Ranchi.
In the series opener as well, India conceded 332 while defending a target of 349. Notably, Prasidh Krishna kept his spot in the playing XI despite underwhelming returns in the first two matches, where he recorded figures of 1/48 off 7.2 overs and 2/85 off 8.2 overs. At the current stage, South Africa stand at 18/1 after 5.2 overs, with captain Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock batting.
The visitors are aiming to clinch their first ODI series win on Indian soil since their 3–2 triumph in 2015–16. Meanwhile, KL Rahul will be eyeing consecutive ODI series victories over South Africa as captain. A win would also help India bounce back after their 1–2 loss to Australia earlier in October.
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