India vs South Africa 1st ODI Match Preview – November 30, 2025

Match Details

• Date & Time: November 30, 2025 | 08:00 AM GMT / 01:30 PM IST
• Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
• Format: ODI (50 Overs)

Head-to-Head Record (ODI)

• Matches Played: 94
• India Wins: 40
• South Africa Wins: 51
• No Results: 3

India has managed only 40 wins in 94 ODIs against South Africa, but their recent form has been strong with four wins in the last five matches. South Africa, however, holds the upper hand historically and will look to use that as motivation.

Venue Analysis – JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi

The Ranchi pitch is known for being a balanced surface, offering early assistance to fast bowlers and gradually slowing down to favor spinners. With a blacksoil composition, the pitch allows for movement and bounce in the first half of the game. Spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Keshav Maharaj are expected to thrive in the middle overs.

The venue has been relatively supportive to batting first teams, with five out of nine ODIs won by the side chasing. First innings totals at this venue often range between 235 and 265, with a run rate of around 5.94. The clear skies and potential evening dew could further assist the chasing side.

Team News & Squads

India (18 Players)

• KL Rahul (c & WK)
• Rohit Sharma
• Virat Kohli
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Tilak Varma
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Washington Sundar
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Dhruv Jurel (WK)
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Harshit Rana
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Prasidh Krishna
• Arshdeep Singh

South Africa (18 Players)

• Temba Bavuma (c)
• Aiden Markram
• Dewald Brevis
• Nandre Burger
• Quinton de Kock (WK)
• Marco Jansen
• Tony de Zorzi
• Rubin Hermann (WK)
• Ottneil Baartman
• Corbin Bosch
• Matthew Breetzke
• Keshav Maharaj
• Lungi Ngidi
• Ryan Rickelton
• Prenelan Subrayen

Players to Watch

India

• Rohit Sharma: The experienced opener has averaged 50.4 in 2025, making him a key contributor for India.
• Harshit Rana: India's leading wicket-taker in 2025 with 16 wickets in eight games.
• Virat Kohli: A consistent performer with an average of 43.62.

South Africa

• Quinton de Kock: The dynamic opener has been in great form, with 2102 runs this decade.
• Lungi Ngidi: South Africa’s leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets at an average of 28.55.
• Nandre Burger: A left-arm seamer who has been effective with 13 wickets in seven games.

Match Prediction

The toss could be a pivotal moment in this match. With the Ranchi pitch favoring spin in the middle overs and offering early assistance to pacers, the team winning the toss could decide to bowl first. However, the chasing teams have a better win percentage at this venue, so the toss holder might be tempted to bowl first and let the spinners take control.

Scenario 1: India Wins Toss and Bowl First

• South Africa's powerplay score: 60-70
• South Africa's total score: 270-280
• India’s chase: 280+ likely

Scenario 2: South Africa Wins Toss and Bowl First

• India's powerplay score: 65-75
• India's total score: 300-310
• South Africa's chase: 310+ challenging

Overall Prediction

Both teams have strong lineups and are evenly matched, but India’s recent dominance in the head-to-head and their batting depth give them a slight edge. The toss is expected to be won by India, and the match is likely to be won by the team batting second.

Final Verdict

• Toss Winner: India
• Match Winner: India
• Top Batter: Rohit Sharma (India) / Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
• Top Bowler: Harshit Rana (India) / Nandre Burger (South Africa)
• Most Sixes: Rohit Sharma (India) / Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
• Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma (India)
• Predicted Scores:
  • India: 300+
  • South Africa: 300+

This promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the world's best teams, with the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi setting the stage for a high-stakes ODI. Cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly watching this clash.
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