South Africa vs India 1st ODI: Expected lineups, head-to-head, toss, predictions and betting odds

India head into the ODI series with momentum on their side following a thrashing of South Africa in the third and final T20I, beating the hosts by 106 runs and leveling the series 1-1. 

The first ODI is set to take place at the same venue as the last T20I, the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, on what is the 'Pink Day' of cricket for South Africa. The Proteas will wear the special pink outfits to raise funds for breast cancer, something they do every year. 

The last time these two sides played an ODI was at the 2023 World Cup, where eventual runners-up India completely outclassed South Africa and beat them by 243 runs. 

For the hosts, Aiden Markram will continue to be the captain of the side, with Rassie van der Dussen also returning to the squad after not being called up for the T20Is.

As for India, KL Rahul is set to take on the captaincy duties in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Rinku Singh, who has been in terrific form for India in T20Is, might be in line to make his ODI debut, while Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar will be keen to impress if they make their debuts, too. 

South Africa vs India: Predicted lineups

Van der Dussen is an automatic choice for the starting XI for the hosts, while late squad addition Akash Deep could be handed his India debut.

South Africa Predicted XI: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (C), Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams

India Predicted XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C & WK), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh

South Africa vs India: Head-to-Head in ODIs

The two sides have met each other in ODIs 91 times, with South Africa winning 50 games to India's 38.

South Africa vs India: Toss

The Wanderers pitch assisted spinners as the game progressed in the third and final T20I, with Kuldeep Yadav taking a fifer and Ravindra Jadeja picking up two wickets.

The pitch is going to be a batsman's paradise due to the small boundaries and the dry nature of the pitch. With 38% humidity, clear skies, and an average temperature of 27°C, the pitch is going to get better as the game progress, thanks to it being a day-night game. 

In 53 ODIs played here, teams batting second have won 30 games while teams batting first have won 23 games. The team that wins the toss first might very well opt to field first and prefer chasing. 

South Africa vs India: Prediction

Both the hosts and the visitors do not have a full-strength team, especially when it comes to the bowling unit. A lot of players are likely to make their ODI debuts in the first ODI.

India will be facing the dilemma of whether to play two spinners or opt for three. Remember, India have three frontline spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal while bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar is also a part of the squad.

The pace bowling lineup for both teams lacks experience. India have Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep having a combined experience of just 11 ODIs. For the Proteas, it's the same problem with Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Wiaan Mulder, Ottniel Baartman, and Mihlali Mpongwana are not too experienced either.

When it comes to the batting department, South Africa's lineup looks more assured than India's. 

If we were to predict, South Africa would take the lead in the first ODI. 

South Africa vs India: Betting odds for 1st ODI

According to Dafabet, India are the favourites to win the 1st ODI against South Africa.