SA vs IND, 3rd ODI: Chance for India to take lead in Cape Town as injury-hit Proteas

Having tamed the Proteas in the first two ODIs of the six-match series, the Men in Blue will face an injury-ravaged South African side at the picturesque Newlands ground on Wednesday.

India won the first two ODIs at Durban and Centurion by six and nine wickets, respectively. A win would now give India an unprecedented 3-0 lead in the series.

The win would also make for a great trivia as the Men in Blue have never before won three matches in an ODI bilateral series on South African soil.

This could also be India’s third win at the venue. India’s record at Newlands has been mixed with two wins and two loses in four ODIs since 1992.

Team news

Injuries have gripped South Africa with AB de Villiers having been ruled out before the first ODI, Faf du Plessis before the second.

Quinton de Kock, suffering a wrist injury, has also been ruled out for the third ODI.

This means Heinrich Klaasen is tipped to make his ODI debut as Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not named a replacement for de Kock in the six-match series.

Indian wrist-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have enjoyed a good run so far, bagging 13 wickets in the first two matches between themselves.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been called out for having played 35 different playing-elevens in the 35 Tests he has captained, will not hesitate to play the same eleven from the previous match.

The pitch that will be presented to the teams on Wednesday, however, remains unclear.

Top rank chances

Since the last win, India has climbed to the top spot in International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI rankings. A win in Cape Town will help them extended the gap further, in the standings.

South Africa, could however, move back to number two rank, if they stop the Indian juggernaut.

Match date and time: 16:30 IST, February 7

Where to watch: Ten 1 and Ten 3