With the three-match ODI series level at 1-1, India enters Saturday’s decider under significant pressure. A loss in the final ODI would hand South Africa back-to-back series wins after already defeating the hosts 2-0 in the preceding Tests. The stakes are high, and the narrative has shifted quickly: India needs a victory to regain momentum, while South Africa sees opportunity in the pressure their hosts are facing.
South African batter Matthew Breetzke acknowledged the magnitude of the contest, admitting that India will come out firing in the must-win match. Speaking ahead of the final ODI, the 27-year-old said, “We’re going to have to play good cricket against a delicious side. We know they’re going to be really hungry to win. It’s a must-win game, so it’s going to be a terrific contest.”
Breetzke drew confidence from South Africa’s depth and the composure shown by the middle and lower order across both ODIs. The Proteas have repeatedly found stability from unexpected positions, with Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch showcasing their ability to shift momentum late in the innings.
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“We’ve got a nice balance in our side with a couple of guys who are proper batters, and then you’ve got powerhouses like Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch who can change the game on its head,” Matthew Breetzke explained. “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.”
According to Breetzke, having explosive hitters down the order frees the top order to build their innings with less risk.
“It gives you confidence as top-order batters, knowing that you have Jansen and Bosch at the bottom,” he said. “Bosch has played some special knocks in the last two matches. It allows the top four to take a little more time because you know you’ve got that power at the back end.”
Matthew Breetzke also spoke about his evolution as a No. 4 batter, crediting the recent Pakistan tour for helping him adjust to the demands of the role. “The conditions were very different in Pakistan, but I’m gaining more experience now batting at 4 and starting to feel a little more comfortable. Hopefully I’ll keep getting better,” he added.
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South Africa successfully chased totals in both Ranchi and Raipur, with dew heavily favouring batting second as Indian bowlers struggled to grip the ball. Matthew Breetzke admitted that dew has been a major factor but insisted the team is preparing for all scenarios.
“If we have to bat first, we’ll discuss our plans and find the best way to approach it. But yes, the dew has definitely played a big part.” With both teams eyeing the series trophy, the stage is set for a fierce, high-stakes finale.
