India is set to face South Africa in a crucial ODI series decider at Boland Park on Thursday, December 21, with the aim of securing only their second-ever series victory on South African soil. The series is currently tied, following India's win in the first ODI in Johannesburg and South Africa's comeback victory in the second match in Gqeberha.
Both teams are playing without their full-strength squads as key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kagiso Rabada are preparing for the upcoming Test series. This scenario presents an opportunity for younger players under the leadership of KL Rahul for India and Aiden Markram for South Africa to showcase their skills.
India's only ODI series win in South Africa came in 2018 under Virat Kohli. However, their last series in 2022 saw them facing a 3-0 defeat under Rahul’s captaincy. The upcoming decider is a chance for redemption and a series win.
The second ODI was somewhat overshadowed by the IPL 2024 mini-auction, with the broadcast frequently switching between the live match and auction updates. Despite this, South Africa's young team stepped up, leveling the series on the back of opener Tony de Zorzi's maiden ODI century.
For India, Sai Sudharsan has been impressive, scoring fifties in his first two ODIs. KL Rahul also contributed a fifty, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled against South Africa’s pacers, particularly Nandre Burger.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson have had disappointing performances so far and will be looking to improve. The series decider might also see changes in the Indian bowling unit, with possibilities of Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel playing, and discussions around the return of the Kul-cha spin duo, who were crucial in India's 2018 series win.
South Africa, on the other hand, might consider including spinner Tabraiz Shamsi for the decider, after their pace attack impressed in the second ODI.
The pitch in Paarl is expected to be slower than other venues in South Africa, which could influence team selections. With a hot day forecasted, an uninterrupted game is anticipated, setting the stage for an exciting series finale.
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