India Vs South Africa: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Today, November 30, 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Competition | Freedom Series - 1st ODI of 3 |
🏏 Battle of Giants: India and South Africa Clash in ODI Series Opener at Wanderers
The highly anticipated **Freedom Series** gets underway with the first of three One Day Internationals at the iconic **Wanderers Stadium** in Johannesburg. Following a closely contested T20 series, both **India** (The Men in Blue) and **South Africa** (The Proteas) will be looking to assert early dominance in the 50-over format.
**India**, potentially led by a new-look squad resting some senior players, will focus on establishing rhythm and testing their bench strength ahead of major ICC events. The focus will be on the middle-order batting and the ability of the spin duo to contain the powerful South African lineup on home pitches. The pace attack, featuring a blend of experience and youth, will be crucial in the early overs.
**South Africa**, known for their explosive batting and intimidating pace battery at home, enters the series with confidence. They will rely on their strong top-order and the experience of key all-rounders. Playing in familiar conditions, the Proteas will be aiming for a big total if they bat first and to apply pressure with short-pitched bowling when in the field. This match marks the start of a crucial series for both teams as they fine-tune their ODI combinations.
- Event: Freedom Series - 1st ODI of 3
- Date: Today, Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Time: 1:30 PM IST (10:00 AM Local Time)
- Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Context: The opening match of a three-game ODI series, setting the tone for the bilateral engagement.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
India (Probable Captain: KL Rahul, Form: L W W W L in ODIs)
India’s strength lies in their top-order stability and spin depth. However, the performance of the middle-order under pressure and the consistency of the relatively newer faces in the fast-bowling department will be under scrutiny. They are aiming for an aggressive brand of cricket to match the Proteas' intensity.
South Africa (Probable Captain: Temba Bavuma, Form: W L W L W in ODIs)
The Proteas are formidable at home, especially with their fast bowlers exploiting the bounce at Wanderers. Their batting lineup is deep and aggressive. Key challenge for them will be negotiating India’s wrist-spinners in the middle overs and maintaining discipline with the ball.
⭐ Key Players
- India: **Virat Kohli** (Batter) - His vast experience and ability to anchor the innings are vital, especially against a challenging pace attack. His form will be key to posting or chasing big totals.
- India: **Kuldeep Yadav** (Left-arm Wrist Spinner) - The primary wicket-taker in the middle overs. His ability to turn the ball both ways and confuse the Proteas' batters will be India’s biggest weapon.
- South Africa: **Quinton de Kock** (Wicketkeeper-Batter) - An explosive opener who can change the course of the game in the first powerplay. His contributions with the bat and energy behind the stumps are crucial.
- South Africa: **Kagiso Rabada** (Fast Bowler) - The leader of the attack. His pace, swing, and ability to generate bounce at Wanderers make him the most dangerous bowler for India's top order.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- India’s Top Order vs. Rabada/Nortje: The new ball spell will be electric. If India can survive the initial onslaught and not lose quick wickets, they set a platform for success.
- The Middle Overs Spin Test: South Africa’s aggressive middle-order bats must find a way to score against the wrist-spin of India without giving away wickets, a traditional challenge for the Proteas.
- Wanderers Bounce: The team that adapts best to the hard, bouncy pitch—both in terms of shot selection while batting and utilizing the conditions while bowling—will gain a significant edge.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
The Wanderers pitch typically favors fast bowling and offers high scores. South Africa, with their established home advantage and powerful pace attack, start as slight favorites. However, India's experienced batting core, particularly in ODI cricket, can never be underestimated. The match is likely to be a high-scoring thriller decided by which batting unit handles the opposition’s best bowlers most effectively.
Predicted Score: South Africa 305/7 vs India 298/9 (South Africa win by 7 runs)
Will India find their groove in the 50-over format, or will the Proteas draw first blood at their fortress? Tune in to the 1st ODI today at 1:30 PM IST!
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