South Africa star warns India ahead of ODI series decider; promises fireworks in Vizag

South Africa is gearing up for a thrilling decider in the three-match ODI series against India, with the series currently tied 1-1. After dominating India 2-0 in the recent Test series, the Proteas are eager to finish strong in the ODI series as well, but they know India will come hard to avoid a second straight series loss in their own backyard.

Ahead of the third and final ODI in Vishakhapatnam on December 6, Matthew Breetzke said that they are aiming for another series victory on Indian soil after winning the second ODI by four wickets in Raipur despite Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s centuries on December 3.

India is going to be really hungry to win the ODI series: Matthew Breetzke

The 27-year-old admitted that the Indian cricket team would be hungry to win the series decider to clinch the ODI series, so the Proteas side has to play accordingly. He also reckoned that the ODI series decider would be a more thrilling contest for the fans in Vishakhapatnam.

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Matthew Breetzke told the media at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by PTI: “We're going to have to play good cricket against a really good side. We know that they're going to be really hungry to win. It's a must-win game, so it's going to be a really good contest.”

Matthew Breetzke warns India of South Africa’s power-packed batting

Breetzke believes that South Africa’s well-balanced batting lineup could be the key in the ODI series decider against the Men in Blue. He mentioned that the Proteas side has power hitters like Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Dewald Brevis, who can change the game on its head.

The right-handed batter further pointed out that their presence at the lower end gives the top-order batters the freedom to play confidently without taking unnecessary risks. The star batter warned the Men in Blue by saying that the combination of experienced middle-order batters and explosive finishers at the tail makes the Proteas a tough challenge for any side.

Breetzke further said, “I think we complement each other really well, and there's a lot of confidence in the batting group at the moment. We will have to do it again tomorrow.”

Matthew Breetzke opens up about his new Proteas role

South Africa’s recent tour to Pakistan has helped Breetzke adapt to his role at No. 4 in the batting order, and he feels more comfortable and confident in this position now.

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The Proteas star further explained, “Yeah, a little bit. I think obviously the conditions were a lot different in Pakistan, but obviously I'm just getting more experience now batting at 4, where I'm starting to feel a little bit more comfortable. Hopefully I'll get better.”

South Africa prepares backup strategy for Vizag challenge

The South African team had decided to chase the targets in the first two ODI matches at Ranchi and Raipur, and Breetzke revealed that they are already discussing strategies if they end up batting first in the decider against India in Vishakhapatnam due to the dew factor.

He signed off by saying, “We have seen that the dew has played a big part (in the first two matches); obviously, to our advantage, batting second, it's been really nice to bat. If we have to bat first, I'm sure we'll chat about it after a couple of meetings after this conference and see what the best way to go about it is. But yeah, the dew has definitely played a big part.”