IND vs SA 3rd ODI: South Africa will head into the decisive third ODI against India with significant changes to their lineup as two key players - fast bowler Nandre Burger and opener Tony de Zorzi - have
been ruled out due to injury concerns on Dec 6, Saturday.
Both Burger and de Zorzi suffered right hamstring injuries during the second ODI in Raipur. Burger was seen struggling midway through his spell while bowling, forcing him off the field, after which captain Aiden Markram completed his overs.
De Zorzi also encountered discomfort during South Africa's chase and was unable to continue his innings, retiring hurt before later undergoing scans.
Medical assessments conducted on Friday confirmed that neither player will recover in time for the all-important decider. While Burger has only been ruled out of the ODI, de Zorzi's injury has more severe consequences - he has also been withdrawn from the upcoming five-match T20I series starting December 9. With his unavailability confirmed, the opener will now return home, and no replacement has been named for him by Cricket South Africa.
Adding to the team's concerns, emerging left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka has also been sidelined. The young quick, who was recovering from a previous hamstring injury, did not progress as expected and has been removed from the T20I squad. Lutho Sipamla has been drafted in as his replacement.
On the field, the ODI series has produced high-scoring contests so far. India claimed the first match in Ranchi after putting up 349, while South Africa bounced back in Raipur with a spirited chase of 358 - inspired by Aiden Markram's century.
As the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Visakhapatnam, South Africa will have to regroup quickly without two important contributors, while India will aim to capitalise on the momentum and seal the series. The final clash promises intensity, pressure, and potentially another high-scoring affair as both sides hunt the trophy.
