Australia Set to Face India in Third and Final ODI Clash
Australia is geared up to take on India in the third and final ODI of the series on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). With an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, Australia is in a commanding position and is expected to test their bench strength by providing opportunities to players who have not featured in the earlier matches. Their aim is to complete a clean sweep and carry that momentum into the upcoming T20 series.
On the other hand, India will be looking to bounce back after suffering defeats in the first two ODIs, which cost them the series. The visitors will be eager to secure a consolation win in the final match and finish the ODI leg on a positive note before shifting their focus to the T20 format.
Sydney Cricket Ground — Pitch Report
The third ODI will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions. The pitch generally favors the batsmen, allowing them to play their shots freely. However, fast bowlers will need to put in extra effort to extract movement and pick up crucial wickets. As the match progresses, spinners are likely to come into play, finding some assistance from the surface if they maintain disciplined lines and lengths.
Predicted Playing 11s
Australia:
- Mitchell Marsh (c)
- Travis Head
- Matthew Short
- Matt Renshaw
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Cooper Connolly
- Mitchell Owen
- Xavier Bartlett
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
- Josh Hazlewood
India:
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
Predicted Key Players
Probable Best Batter — Shubman Gill
Indian captain Shubman Gill could be the key player for the visitors in this match. Despite not performing well in the ODI series so far, Gill is known for his ability to build long innings and dominate opposition attacks. He will be looking to lead from the front and anchor India’s batting effort against the Australian bowlers.
Probable Best Bowler — Adam Zampa
Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa was outstanding in the second ODI, where he claimed a four-wicket haul. Zampa will be aiming to outsmart the Indian batters with his variations and help Australia secure a clean sweep in the series.
Today’s Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match
As Australia and India gear up for the final ODI clash at the SCG, excitement is at an all-time high. With both teams looking to make their mark, cricket fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with exciting moments and exceptional performances.
Match Preview and Analysis
As Australia and India prepare to face off in the final ODI clash, both teams have different objectives to achieve. Australia, with their dominant 2-0 lead in the series, will be aiming for a clean sweep to assert their superiority over the visitors. On the other hand, India will be looking to salvage some pride by securing a consolation win and ending the ODI leg on a positive note.
For Australia, this match presents an opportunity to test their bench strength and provide valuable game time to players who may not have featured prominently in the earlier matches. Captain Mitchell Marsh will be keen to assess the depth of his squad and identify potential match-winners for future series. With the T20 series looming ahead, a victory in the final ODI will give Australia the momentum they need to carry forward.
On the Indian side, captain Shubman Gill will be under pressure to lead by example after the disappointing performances in the first two ODIs. The talented batsman has the capability to anchor the innings and set up a competitive total for his team. With experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the lineup, India will be looking for a collective effort to overcome the Australian challenge.
Key Battlegrounds
One of the key battlegrounds in this match will be the spin department. With Sydney Cricket Ground historically favoring spinners as the game progresses, players like Adam Zampa from Australia and Axar Patel from India will play crucial roles. Their ability to control the middle overs and pick up wickets will be vital in determining the outcome of the match.
Another area of focus will be the top-order batting for both teams. Shubman Gill’s form will be critical for India, as he looks to provide a solid foundation alongside Rohit Sharma. On the other hand, Australia will rely on the likes of Travis Head and Matthew Short to set the tone early on and put pressure on the Indian bowlers.
Match Predictions
While the outcome of a cricket match is always unpredictable, the conditions at the SCG and the current form of the teams suggest an intriguing battle ahead. With Australia having the upper hand and the momentum on their side, they are likely to start as favorites. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and India will be keen to play spoilsport and finish the series on a high note.
Ultimately, the fans can expect an enthralling contest with moments of brilliance from both teams. Whether Australia completes a clean sweep or India fights back to register a win, the final ODI promises to be a fitting conclusion to a competitive series between two cricketing powerhouses.
By delving into the dynamics of the match, analyzing key players, and highlighting the strategic aspects, this expanded content provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming clash between Australia and India.
