India vs South Africa Prediction & Match Preview – 1st ODI, Ranchi

India and South Africa begin the white-ball leg of the tour with the 1st ODI in Ranchi, and the hosts are keen for redemption. South Africa won both Tests, in Kolkata and Guwahati, under very different conditions, to claim a 2-0 series win and their first Test series victory in India in 25 years.

At Eden Gardens, South Africa won by 30 runs in a game that finished inside three days. India struggled against spin on a testing pitch and were bowled out for 93 while chasing a modest 124. In Guwahati, which was staging its first Test, Temba Bavuma’s side controlled the match from the opening day. India, led by Rishabh Pant, were set 549 and managed only 140, their heaviest defeat by runs in Test history.

In the ODI, KL Rahul is expected to lead a side featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Verma in the batting, supported by the spin of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. South Africa have Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis in a strong batting group, with Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger and Keshav Maharaj leading the attack.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

The JSCA pitch is usually well balanced. It starts hard and true with good bounce and carry, so batters can play their shots and score quickly early on. It then slows a little, giving spinners and slower bowlers more grip in the middle and later overs. Sides winning the toss often prefer to bat first, while those chasing can lean on spin and variations to restrict runs.

Weather

Conditions should be good for cricket in the afternoon, with temperatures around 24°C and partly sunny to partly cloudy skies. Humidity should be moderate, rain is very unlikely and light winds are expected.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 270–300
• 2nd innings: 260–290