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IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

After India sealed the ODI series in emphatic fashion on Saturday, attention turns to the five-match T20I series starting in Cuttack on Tuesday.

The hosts are the best T20I team in the world, boasting a magnificent record since the start of 2024. They have won 37 of 41 completed matches in this period, including T20 World Cup and Asia Cup titles, along with a series win in Australia last month. Now, they are set to welcome Hardik Pandya back from injury, which makes them stronger.

So, South Africa face a tough test, but it serves as magnificent preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. They bat deep with their all-rounders capable of striking blows down the order. Whether their bowling attack can keep the strong Indian batting lineup in check remains to be seen.

IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Possible Playing XIs

India are set to welcome back Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya. Hardik’s inclusion gives India plenty of balance with three seam and three spin options.

India: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Tilak Varma, 4. Suryakumar Yadav (c), 5. Axar Patel, 6. Jitesh Sharma/Sanju Samson (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Kuldeep Yadav, 9. Varun Chakravarthy, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

David Miller is in the squad and could feature in the top five alongside Markram, de Kock, Stubbs and Brevis. Anrich Nortje is also available and could play.

South Africa: 1. Aiden Markram (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Tristan Stubbs, 4. Dewald Brevis, 5. David Miller, 6. Donovan Ferreira, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Corbin Bosch, 9. George Linde/Lungi Ngidi, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Ottneil Baartman/Anrich Nortje

Barabati Stadium Cuttack Pitch Report and Weather

Cuttack has played host to three T20Is, played in 2015, 2017 and 2022. The average first innings score is 140.

In the 2022 T20I between India and South Africa, the Proteas restricted India to 148/6. Heinrich Klaasen (81* off 46 balls) was the difference in a game where batters largely struggled. South Africa won by four wickets with 10 balls to spare.

No rain is forecast. The team who wins the toss is likely to chase.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs SA 1st T20 2025: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Quinton de Kock, fresh off a century in the third ODI, is a good pick in this match as he should open the batting. He also has a strong T20I record against India: 10 inns, 351 runs, avg. 43.87, SR 138.73.

Key batter picks:

  • Abhishek Sharma will be rearing to go. He has smashed 758 runs in the powerplay in all T20s this year at a strike rate of 188.6. The left-hander is a top captaincy pick.
  • Suryakumar Yadav is enduring some poor T20I form in 2025, with just 184 runs at 15.33. But, he has strong numbers against the Proteas with 372 runs at an average of 41.33 and strike rate of 163.87.
  • Dewald Brevis is a terrific spin hitter. He has smashed 426 runs at an average of 85.2 and strike rate of 182.8 against spin in all T20s this year. Brevis is also South Africa’s leading run-scorer this year in T20Is (395, avg. 35.90, SR 183.72).

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Hardik Pandya is back. Can he fire right away? The all-rounder has 231 runs (avg. 33, SR 121.57) and 11 wickets (avg. 33.54, econ. 8.58) against South Africa.
  • Aiden Markram recently hit a superb century in the ODI series. He averages 21.70 in 10 T20I innings against India; a record he can improve on.
  • Marco Jansen is a strong pick for Dream11 given his all-round form. He will be looking to improve his T20I record against India with six wickets currently at an average of 40.83 and economy of 9.07. He also has some tough matchups (see below).

Key bowler picks:

  • Arshdeep Singh has an outstanding record against Quinton de Kock. He has dismissed the South African opener three times for 19 runs in 19 balls in T20Is. Arshdeep also has the most wickets in IND-SA T20Is (18).
  • Varun Chakravarthy is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is this year (26) at a superb average of 13.96 and strike rate of 12. He also has a fine record against the Proteas, with 12 wickets in just four T20Is at an average of 11.50 and strike rate of 8.00.
  • Jasprit Bumrah has dismissed Aiden Markram four times in T20s (see below). He also has good overall numbers against David Miller (2/49 off 43 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (1/9 off 16 balls) in all T20s.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • The experienced David Miller has the most runs in IND-SA T20Is (524) at an average of 34.93 and strike rate of 147.19.
  • Kuldeep Yadav has taken six wickets in three T20Is against South Africa, including figures of 5/17.
  • Tilak Varma has smashed two centuries in six T20Is against South Africa. He has 309 runs against them at an average of 77.25 and strike rate of 190.74.
  • Corbin Bosch had an excellent T20I series against Pakistan last month. He took seven wickets at an average of 7.85. He can also contribute with the bat.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • Head-to-head: Matches 31, India 18, South Africa 12, N/R 1.
  • Abhishek Sharma scored 97 runs in four T20Is against South Africa in 2024 (avg. 24.25, SR 173.21).
  • Suryakumar Yadav has five 50+ scores in 10 T20 innings against South Africa.
  • Keshav Maharaj vs. India in T20Is: 15 inns, 15 wickets, avg. 27.66, econ. 8.64.
  • Marco Jansen vs. Abhishek Sharma in all T20s: 22 balls, 49 runs, no dismissal.
  • Marco Jansen vs. Suryakumar Yadav in all T20s: 26 balls, 56 runs, one wicket.
  • Varun Chakravarthy vs. Quinton de Kock in all T20s: 32 balls, 39 wickets, two wickets.
  • Varun Chakravarthy vs. Aiden Markram in all T20s: 60 balls, 95 runs, four wickets.
  • Jasprit Bumrah vs. Aiden Markram in all T20s: 17 balls, 13 runs, one wicket.

IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Cuttack Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Today.
IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Cuttack Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Today.
IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

IND vs SA 1st T20 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?

Chasing could prove pivotal in this match. However, India look very strong and I will back them to win this game.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.

Has a team ever come back from 2-0 down to win an Ashes series?

Charbel Coorey
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0
Has a team ever come back from 2-0 down to win an Ashes series?

Only once has a team come back from 2-0 down to win an Ashes series. Don Bradman’s 1936/37 Australia team won the final three Tests after they were thumped by 322 runs and an innings and 22 runs in the opening two matches.

Bradman himself led the way, hammering two double centuries and a century in Australia’s three victories. The greatest-ever Test batter hit 690 runs in the final three Tests at an incredible average of 138 to guide his team home.

1936/37 Ashes series results:

  • 1st Test, Brisbane: England won by 322 runs.
  • 2nd Test, Sydney: England won by an innings and 22 runs.
  • 3rd Test, Melbourne: Australia won by 365 runs.
  • 4th Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 148 runs.
  • 5th Test, Melbourne: Australia won by an innings and 200 runs.

England need to become the second team in history to win an Ashes series after going 2-0 down

Like 2023, England have gone down 2-0 in an Ashes series. On that occasion, England produced a stirring fightback, rallying hard after the Jonny Bairstow stumping at Lord’s. They won the third and fifth Tests, with rain stopping their charge in the fourth at Manchester.

Captain Ben Stokes has called for belief. He and Will Jacks showed the kind of grit and determination not previously displayed by the English team in a very costly six days of cricket across Perth and Brisbane.

“The worst thing to do now is to not have hopes and not realise that we still have the opportunity to do what we came out here to do,” Stokes said in the press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“We are 2-0 down but there’s three games left. If we lose hope over the next couple of weeks… even from next week, then we might as well not turn up.

“I haven’t lost hope, that dressing room hasn’t lost hope.”

However, coming back from 2-0 down in Australia is a completely different proposition. England have not won a Test down under since 2011, losing 15 of the 17 matches in this period. Also, Australia are set to welcome Pat Cummins back.

The Adelaide Test begins on December 17.

“My head is hot again” – England fans fume at Brendon McCullum’s “overprepared” comment in reaction to Gabba Test

Charbel Coorey
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“My head is hot again” – England fans fume at Brendon McCullum’s “overprepared” comment in reaction to Gabba Test

Brendon McCullum believes England “overprepared” for the Gabba Test, which they convincingly lost by eight wickets to go 2-0 down in the Ashes series. McCullum mentioned this in interviews with both Channel 7 and Test Match Special after England’s poor display.

“Leading into this Test match, I actually felt like we overprepared to be honest,” McCullum said on Channel 7.

“We had five intense training days and I think sometimes when you’re in the heat of the battle as we all know, sometimes the most important thing is to feel a little bit fresh and and I think the boys need a few days off and probably change up a few of the training methods a little.

“I’m a horse racing man and you wouldn’t just keep doing the same thing with your horse. You’d send it around in figure eight or jumps just to try switch it on a bit. We’ll look at some alternative methods in the next few days.

“We’ve got a couple of days in Noosa, which would be good to spend time casually and let the dust settle on what has been a pretty intense couple of weeks, and start to plot and plan our way back into the series.”

England fans not impressed with Brendon McCullum’s reaction to the Gabba defeat

Kevin Pietersen led a chorus of discontent around McCullum’s comments. “Crikey, Baz!” wrote Pietersen on X (formerly Twitter).

Truth be told, England looked underdone. They seemed spent after a day in the field, and simply lacked the grit and determination required to win in Australia. Day three at the Gabba showed the stark difference between the two sides in mentality and execution.

The visitors were simply woeful with the ball. They rarely hit the same spot for consecutive deliveries, often erring on the short side. When they pitched up, they delivered friendly doses of half volley after half volley.

“For something that Eng men’s cricket have purportedly been building up to for yrs, this seems incredibly binary,” wrote Isabelle Westbury in response to McCullum’s comments.

“Please tell me I misheard that & McCullum didn’t just say “we probably trained too much” to Aggers on TMS,” wrote England fan Adam Sutherland.

England, under the leadership of Rob Key, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, have been very clear in the past that their ultimate goal is winning in Australia. McCullum’s comments are quite strange given England have been adamant they know what they are doing.

Let’s see what they have in store in Adelaide.

2nd Ashes Test Reactions: Australia smash England by eight wickets to take 2-0 lead

Charbel Coorey
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2nd Ashes Test Reactions: Australia smash England by eight wickets to take 2-0 lead

Australia have taken a huge step towards retaining the Ashes, taking a 2-0 series lead after thrashing England by eight wickets at the Gabba.

The visitors began day four 134/6, still trailing by 43 and needing a miracle to avoid defeat in a match that went downhill quickly on day three. However, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks combined for a partnership rarely seen in the Bazball era, showing the type of patience, grit and discipline not previously displayed by England in this Ashes series.

The pair combined for a 96-run stand in 36.4 overs, keeping the Australians at bay and slowly adding to the lead. But, there was simply too much to do, and the Australians bowled quite well despite the wicketless first session.

Michael Neser embodied Australia’s day four discipline the most, honing in on the offstump with remarkable precision. His love affair with the Gabba got him the nod over Nathan Lyon in this Test, and he delivered in spades, catching the edges of both Jacks and Stokes to make the remainder of the Test a formality.

The Jacks wicket will be remembered for years to come due to the sheer brilliance of Steve Smith. Australia’s captain took a one-handed blinder down to his left, made even more remarkable by the fact Alex Carey was up to the stumps. It was a wicket Australia needed at the time given England’s resistance, and Smith stood tall.

Speaking of Smith, he was soon face-to-face with Jofra Archer in a heated exchange late in the game. Archer exchanged words with the Aussie captain close to the finish line, and Smith took it personally, smashing the fast bowler for two fours and a six in a major exclamation point on a dominant Australian victory.

Reactions to the 2nd Ashes Test at the Gabba: Australia smash England yet again

Mitchell Starc won man of the match for his magnificent all-round performance. He took eight wickets – including 6/75 in the first innings – and scored a vital 77 off 141 on the third day which put the match firmly in Australia’s hands.

“Nice to put a partnership together, better to bowl later in the day so to get through as long as we did with the bat was key to push the innings back. And we got the rewards,” Starc said in the post-match presentation.

Australian fans are thrilled. This victory now marks 17 Tests without a home Ashes defeat, dating back to 2010/11. Along with Starc and Neser, Alex Carey was outstanding with the gloves and there were numerous contributors with the bat, including Jake Weatherald who hit a maiden Test fifty.

For England, there is plenty of soul searching to do as they face the improbable task of needing to win the remaining three Tests to regain the urn.

The third Test kicks off at Adelaide on December 17. England must win that Test to keep their Ashes hopes alive. Given there has been no win in Australia in nearly 15 years, plus the difficulties they are facing in this series, it is a tall order indeed.

Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for day 4 of 2nd Ashes Test

Charbel Coorey
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Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for day 4 of 2nd Ashes Test

England will be hoping the weather plays spoilsport on day 4 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. Ben Stokes’ team are in all sorts of trouble after a horrid third day where they conceded a lead of 177 and then fell to 134/6.

After three days of excellent weather in Brisbane, there is a chance of showers and storm on Sunday. But, will the rain come early enough to hand England a repreive?

Gabba weather forecast for day 4 of Ashes Test: Will it rain?

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts “showers. Storm developing,” with a maximum of 31 degrees. However, the hourly forecast predicts those thunderstorms will come later in the evening.

Rain is expected: A look at the weather forecast for the day 4 of the 2nd Ashes Test at the Gabba, Brisbane
Gabba Brisbane weather day 4 of the 2nd Ashes Test – Bureau of Meteorology

AccuWeather also predicts thunderstorms in the evening. The platform forecasts “sun through high clouds and very warm; breezy in the afternoon” followed by “a thunderstorm or two in the evening: otherwise, overcast and humid.”

If the forecast eventuates, Australia will get the chance to bowl England out in the afternoon. Skipper Ben Stokes (24 balls) and Will Jacks (four balls) are both unbeaten on four with England desperately struggling at 134/6 and still trailing by 43 runs.

Even if rain interrupts a lot of day four, there is still another whole day on Monday. Some rain is also forecast on day five, but not enough to impact the match too much. So, England will have to somehow pull themselves out of the mire to avoid going 2-0 down in the series.

Rain is expected: A look at the weather forecast for the day 4 of the 2nd Ashes Test at the Gabba, Brisbane
Gabba Brisbane weather day 4 of the 2nd Ashes Test – AccuWeather

Earlier, Australia’s lower order rallied to take the hosts to 511. Mitchell Starc led the way with a magnificent 71, before the fast bowler showed his incredible fitness by maintaining speeds above 140km/h in England’s second innings.

Mitchell Starc delivers herculean performance to put Australia on the cusp of 2-0 Ashes series lead

Charbel Coorey
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Mitchell Starc delivers herculean performance to put Australia on the cusp of 2-0 Ashes series lead

Give him the man of the series award, now. Mitchell Starc had another magnificent day in the 2025/26 Ashes series, but this time his bat did most of the talking.

Australia, having started day three of the Gabba Test at 378/6, faced the prospect of bowling under the hot Brisbane sun in the third innings after some reckless batting on the second night. However, Starc headlined Australia’s best and most clinical day of the series so far, grinding England into the ground in a magnificent display of grit and patience to enable the hosts to start bowling at Ben Stokes’ team under lights.

In contrast to some of Australia’s wild batting on day two, Starc combined with Scott Boland (21* off 72 balls) for a patient, dogged 75-run stand that flattened the visitors. Australia’s number nine was in no mood to fall for England’s inexplicable short ball obsession, ducking and weaving with ease as the miles in the England bowlers’ legs continued to climb. Then, as was the case all innings, England’s attack strayed off line, and Starc pounced when the opportuniities presented themselves.

As Alex Carey, Starc and Boland wore England down, there were views from some corners that the Gabba pitch was very flat. But, Stokes himself found seam movement even with the old ball, and there were moments of uneven bounce. England, though, were nowhere near good enough to make full use of what was on offer, straying off their lines and lengths with alarming regularity.

Fans in awe as Mitchell Starc delivers magnificent all-round performance on day 3 of 2nd Ashes Test

Starc faced 141 deliveries in the Brisbane heat and humidity after taking 6/75 in the first innings. He eventually holed out to Ben Stokes at deep mid off and walked off to a standing ovation.

If that wasn’t enough, Starc produced a magnificent spell with the ball late in the day despite looking utterly exhausted. The left-armer understandably started England’s second innings a little flat, but by the time he found his rhythm, he took the crucial wicket of Joe Root to continue England’s decline into the abyss.

In contrast to his opponents who looked exhausted after a spell, Starc kept his speeds up, clocking well over 140km/h per hour even on the final delivery of the day.

Fans were in awe of Starc’s performance, taking to social media to express their views. “Starc is bowling 145kph/90mph in the final over of a day in which he has batted for 141 balls and then bowled another 12 overs. Just an incredible bowler,” one wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Mitchell Starc could skip the next three games and still be player of the series. He has been absolutely wonderful”, wrote another.

England started their second innings brightly, reaching 45/0 in the six overs before tea. However, Australia quickly got their act together after the break, honing in on their lines and lengths on a pitch offering movement plus up and down bounce.

Scott Boland dismissed Ben Duckett with one that stayed low. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope looked promising, but gave the feeling a mistake wasn’t too far away. Both were out in almost identical fashion, inexplicably caught and bowled by Michael Neser after attempting those fatal drives on the up.

That period of play began a procession. Joe Root, who scored an elusive first Test hundred in Australia earlier in the match, was caught behind for 15 off the bowling of Starc. Brook and Smith soon nicked behind, and England were left on the mat, fighting for every breath in an Ashes series that is already slipping away quickly.

England will enter day four 134/6, still trailing by 43 runs. With all four of Australia’s frontline seamers in good rhythm, England need a miracle (or rain) to get out of the Gabba without a defeat, especially as they have lost a wicket every 29 deliveries in this series.

IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

A wonderful run South Africa run chase has set the series up for a decider in Visakhapatnam. Aiden Markram led the way with the kind of innings many know he is capable of, producing a superb century to help the Proteas level the series.

Defending a score has proven tough in the two ODIs. This is likely to be the case once again with dew to settle in the evening. India, who have lost a remarkable 20 tosses in a row in ODIs, will be hoping this is their time.

Both teams have in-form batsmen ready to go again in what is expected to be excellent batting conditions. The great Virat Kohli has two centuries in as many matches in this series, while Ruturaj Gaikwad showed his best in his own ton at Raipur. In response, South Africa’s deep batting lineup came to the fore again, with the likes of Matthew Breetzke (68 off 64) and Dewald Brevis (54 off 34) making significant contributions.

So, who will stand tallest in this series decider? Can the team batting first do enough to get a victory? A strong total and excellent start with the ball is crucial.

IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Possible Playing XIs

India could stick with the same team.

India: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Rohit Sharma, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 5. KL Rahul (c & wk), 6. Washington Sundar, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Harshit Rana, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Prasidh Krishna

Ottneil Baartman and Ryan Rickelton are expected to come in for Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, who are both injured. Rickelton is typically an opener but he’ll likely bat in the middle order.

South Africa: 1. Aiden Markram, 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Temba Bavuma (c), 4. Matthew Breetzke, 5. Ryan Rickelton, 6. Dewald Brevis, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Corbin Bosch, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Ottneil Baartman

Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam Pitch Report and Weather

Expect more superb batting conditions with the toss likely to be crucial. India have lost 20 tosses in a row in ODIs. Whoever wins the toss here will surely opt to chase given the dew under lights.

The average first innings score in the last five ODIs at Visakhapatnam is 261.8, going back to 2016. Pace bowlers have taken 34 wickets in this period at an average of 40.47 and economy of 6.31. Spinners have taken 30 wickets at an average of 30.33 and economy of 5.65.

A hazy day is forecast with a top of 27 degrees. No rain is forecast, as per AccuWeather.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • KL Rahul has 126 runs in this series at a strike rate of 127.27, scoring 256 Dream11 points in the process.
  • Quinton de Kock is currently picked in just 44.81% of Dream11 teams after a poor first two matches. He has 22 ODI centuries, including six against India, so he can be a real difference maker on his day.

Key batter picks:

  • Virat Kohli has slammed consecutive centuries in this series. Also, Kohli has an outstanding record in ODIs on this ground, hitting 587 runs at an average of 97.83 and strike rate of 100.34.
  • Matthew Breetzke has an impressive seven 50+ scores in 11 ODIs. He has 682 runs overall at an average of 68.20 and strike rate of 96.46.
  • Rohit Sharma has two fifties and a hundred in his past four ODIs. Rohit also has two fifties and a century in seven ODIs on this ground, totalling 355 runs at an average of 59.16 and strike rate of 99.43.
  • Ruturaj Gaikwad looked magnificent at number four. He has been in terrific form in recent matches with scores of 117, 68* and 25 for India A against South Africa A last month.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Aiden Markram is a different beast when he isn’t captain in ODIs. He averages 41.40 with a strike rate of 101.15 when not captain (68 matches) compared to 23.13 and 80.69 when leading the team (17 matches).
  • Marco Jansen has Yashasvi Jaiswal’s number and is in great form with the bat despite missing out in the second ODI. He is a must-pick in your Dream11 teams and is a genuine captain/vice-captain option.
  • Corbin Bosch didn’t execute his yorkers as we know he can in the second ODI, but the fact he bowls at the death brings wicket-taking opportunities. Also, his 15-ball 29* was another example of his all-round quality.

Key bowler picks:

  • Kuldeep Yadav is the leading wicket-taker in this series and has nine wickets in four ODIs at Visakhapatnam (SR 20.66).
  • Arshdeep Singh took two wickets in each of the first two ODis in this series. The left-arm seamer will be crucial in the powerplay.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Dewald Brevis is striking at 146.77 in this series. Given he is picked in 53.39% of Dream11 teams, Brevis can be a point of difference in fantasy cricket.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal is picked in under 50% of Dream11 teams. The opener is struggling for form, with his battle against left-arm seam in the spotlight. Will today be his day?
  • Since the start of 2023, Lungi Ngidi has taken 48 ODI wickets at a strike rate of 32.2. He will be key today with his variations.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • India have won three of the past five ODIs against South Africa.
  • In ODIs since the start of 2023, KL Rahul has scored 1,458 runs at an average of 58.3 and strike rate of 91.5. He has a century in two ODIs on this ground as well.
  • Virat Kohli has scored two fifties and three hundreds in seven ODIs at Visakhapatnam.
  • Marco Jansen has dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal four times across the Tests and ODIs on this tour (72 balls, 49 runs).
  • Kuldeep Yadav vs Dewald Brevis in this series: 23 balls, 32 runs, one wicket.
  • Arshdeep Singh has dismissed Quinton de Kock four times in 27 balls in all white-ball internations (three times in T20Is, once in ODIs).

IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Visakhapatnam Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Today.
IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Visakhapatnam Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Today.
IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

IND vs SA 3rd ODI 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?

My pick is the chasing team will prevail with the win. Both batting lineups look too strong to keep in check with dew.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.

Cameron Green shot: All-rounder criticised for horror dismissal

Charbel Coorey
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0
Cameron Green shot: All-rounder criticised for horror dismissal

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green has come in for significant criticism after his ugly shot gave England an opening in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba.

Green, along with captain Steve Smith, had England wilting in the Brisbane humidity with their 91-run stand putting Australia to within just 43 of England’s first innings total of 334 with seven wickets in hand.

However, Green was displaying signs of ultra aggression, backing away to nearly off the pitch to counter Brydon Carse’s short-pitched barrage. He found runs, but the premeditatory nature of his batting – plus how far he was backing away – meant that any delivery on the stumps would be dangerous.

Carse obliged, pitching the ball right up to the stumps and sealing an embarrassing dismissal on Green’s part. The all-rounder, who started his innings with good intent – especially on the front foot – was out for 45 in an outing that promised so much more.

Cameron Green slammed for horror shot to give England a lifeline

The timing of Green’s dismissal was cause of frustration for fans. Australia were sitting very pretty at 291/3 with England struggling for answers. Ben Stokes looked a forlorn figure at stages, but questionable Australian batting has given England hope.

“There was a period a period where Steve Smith probably should have gone down the other end to Cameron Green and said, ‘mate, just be careful you don’t get too predictable here because you’ll give them a read of what you’re doing, and then they’ll be able to expose you a little bit,” said Damien Fleming on SEN Cricket.

Fans had their say on social media. It’s safe to say many weren’t impressed.

“Cameron Green’s dismissal is impossible to fathom … AUS cruising at 3-291 … 45 not out … and he gifts his wicket in a totally bizarre fashion,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Totally unnecessary, utterly immature. Has handed momentum to the English at a critical point of the match,” wrote another.

Australia took more chances as the evening wore on. Steve Smith was out a few balls later to a stunning catch by Will Jacks at backward square leg. However, England missed a host of other opportunities, most notably off Alex Carey and Michael Neser as the hosts finished day two 378/6 with a lead of 44.

“Finally!” – Twitter Reactions to Joe Root scoring his first Test hundred in Australia

Charbel Coorey
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“Finally!” – Twitter Reactions to Joe Root scoring his first Test hundred in Australia

He’s done it. He’s finally done it. All the talk around Joe Root never scoring a Test century in Australia can be put to bed, as England’s greatest achieved the feat on the opening day of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba.

Root brought up the landmark – his 40th Test century overall – with a leg glance off the bowling of Scott Boland. Apart from a close call on two, plus a very nervous time in the 80s and 90s, Root looked assured after walking in at 5/2. He batted with composure as his teammates threw away wickets at the other end, keeping the Australians at bay and ensuring England began the important Test with a very competitive first innings total.

Root’s mastery in strike rotation was on show again. He didn’t look rushed yet the scoreboard kept ticking, with his shot selection excellent for the most part. Until his nervous 90s, he selected which deliveries to play at outside offstump and cashed in when Australia bowled too short and straight.

Reactions: England thrilled as Joe Root achieves landmark Test hundred in Australia

“No doubt before. No doubt now. A true great of the game,” England Cricket’s official X account read.

“It’s nice that after waiting 12 years for it, Root’s first ton in Australia comes when the UK is awake to see it. Whadda player,” wrote CricViz’s Ben Jones.

Here are some of the reactions to Joe Root’s first Test hundred in Australia, including humorous references to Matthew Hayden.

Joe Root finished day one unbeaten on 135 off 202 balls with England reaching 325/9 thanks to a very handy 10th wicket partnership with Jofra Archer (32*).

Root’s innings has put England right in the contest after losing badly inside two days at Perth.

IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

A vintage Virat Kohli masterclass and stunning South African lower order fightback headlined a thrilling first ODI in Ranchi, setting the stage for what promises to be a fascinating contest in Raipur on Wednesday.

Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, led the way as India posted 349/8 in nice batting conditions. India’s powerplay bowling followed suit perfectly, and when the Proteas fell to 11/3, it seemed a huge win was only a matter of time. Harshit Rana in particular was excellent early on.

However, South Africa’s long batting lineup proved its worth again, and it’s something India will have to contend with today. Marco Jansen (70 off 39) and Corbin Bosch (67 off 51) were simply outstanding, swinging the momentum and leaving India extremely worried.

To level the series, South Africa will be after a better showing from their top order. If they set a platform, their middle order can power them to a big total. The same applies for India, with their two stalwarts in good touch.

IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI 2025 Possible Playing XIs

India could stick with the same XI that prevailed by 17 runs in the first ODI.

India: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Rohit Sharma, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 5. Washington Sundar, 6. KL Rahul (c & wk), 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Harshit Rana, 9. Arshdeep Singh, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Prasidh Krishna

According to Indian Express, Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj could return in this match.

South Africa: 1. Ryan Rickelton, 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Temba Bavuma (c), 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Matthew Breetzke, 6. Dewald Brevis, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Corbin Bosch, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Nandre Burger, 11. Ottneil Baartman/Lungi Ngidi

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur Pitch Report and Weather

Raipur will host its second ODI today. The first was back in 2023, where India thrashed New Zealand by eight wickets with a whopping 179 balls to spare. The Black Caps were reduced to 15/5 on a surface offering assistance for the seamers. They were eventually bowled out for 108.

There have been two Ranji Trophy matches on this ground this season. Jammu & Kashmir and Chhattisgarh played out a 394 vs. 505/9d draw in early November. Chhattisgarh beat Puducherry by 10 wickets a week later after scoring 377 in the first innings.

A clear day is forecast with a top of 27 degrees. Dew is possible under lights, so bowling first is likely to be preferred.

IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Fantasy Cricket Tips: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Since the start of 2023, KL Rahul has struck 1,392 ODI runs at an average of 55.7 and strike rate of 89.8. His 60 in the first match is the kind of innings he has produced on a regular basis in this format.
  • Quinton de Kock missed out in the opening match, but he is a stalwart of the ODI format. Six of his 22 hundreds have come against India, whom he averages 51.28 against with 1,077 runs.

Key batter picks:

  • How can we ignore Virat Kohli? He found form in the third ODI against Australia and followed it up with a glorious 120-ball 135 in Ranchi. Kohli averages a magnificent 68.29 in 30 innings against the Proteas.
  • Rohit Sharma has three consecutive 50+ scores in ODIs: 73, 121*, 57.
  • Matthew Breetzke is quickly becoming one of the stars of ODI cricket. He has struck six 50+ scores in just 10 matches, with a total of 614 runs at 68.22.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Marco Jansen is in the form of his life. He is taking wickets, has a good matchup against Yashasvi Jaiswal and is middling just about everything with the bat. The all-rounder is a genuine captain/vice-captain option after scoring a massive 213 Dream11 points in the opening ODI.
  • Corbin Bosch can also fetch plenty of points in all three facets. He fields in the hotspot positions, bowls at the death and can hit a long ball. He notched up a huge 211 Dream11 points in Ranchi.

Key bowler picks:

  • Kuldeep Yadav is almost always in the wickets. Since the start of 2023, the spinner has picked up 67 wickets at an average of 22.9 and economy of 4.63.
  • Nandre Burger looked in excellent rhythm in the opening ODI. He dismissed Jaiswal and had Rohit dropped early. Burger will fancy his matchup with Jaiswal again given the India opener has been out seven times in 17 innings against left-arm seam across formats this year.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • If Temba Bavuma plays, South Africa will likely field just two left-handers in their top seven. Harshit Rana enjoys bowling to left-handers, with an ODI average of 14.9 against them this year. He averages 26.3 against right-handers.
  • Can Yashasvi Jaiswal find his best form? He opens the batting and can go big on his day, making him a worthwhile pick in fantasy cricket.
  • Dewald Brevis is an excellent spin-hitter and looked in promising touch in the first ODI. Can he build on his 28-ball 37?
  • Aiden Markram averages 40.17 when he isn’t the captain in ODIs (64 innings), compared to just 23.13 as captain (16 innings).
  • Arshdeep Singh bowls in the crunch overs and enjoys matchups with left-handers. He has 12 wickets in four ODIs against South Africa at an average of 13.25.
  • South Africa are expected to field mostly right-handers, which brings Ravindra Jadeja into the contest.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • India have won four of the past five ODIs against South Africa.
  • Arshdeep Singh has dismissed Quinton de Kock four times in 39 balls in all T20s. Will this crossover into the ODI format?
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal has been dismissed seven times by left-arm seam in 17 innings across Tests, ODIs and T20s this year. Getting through the Jansen and Burger matchups will be key.
  • Kuldeep Yadav averages an impressive 16.58 in 14 ODIs against South Africa.

IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Raipur Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Today.
IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Raipur Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Today.
IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

IND vs SA 2nd ODI 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?

This shapes up as another close contest. My pick is the chasing team will prevail with the win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.

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