India vs Australia 3rd ODI 2025 at SCG — full predicted XIs, pitch report, fantasy tips, and key player battles. Match preview & expert prediction
IND vs AUS 3rd ODI 2025: Predicted Playing XI, Pitch Report, Fantasy Tips & Key Battles
Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
Time: 1:30 PM IST
Series: Australia lead 2–0
Introduction
The India vs Australia rivalry never fails to excite, and as the 2025 ODI series moves to Sydney for the third and final match, the tension is at its peak.
Australia have already wrapped up the series 2–0 after clinical wins in Perth and Adelaide, but for India, the 3rd ODI is about pride, redemption, and preparation for future challenges.
A packed Sydney Cricket Ground awaits an electric contest between two cricketing powerhouses. Let’s break down the conditions, key storylines, and most importantly, the predicted playing XIs for both sides.
Why This Match Matters
Even though the series is decided, this game carries significance for both teams.
For India, it’s a chance to fix the small mistakes that have cost them crucial moments — inconsistent batting, fielding lapses, and missed chances with the ball. A strong finish would boost morale before the T20 leg.
For Australia, it’s about maintaining momentum and testing bench depth. Young players like Xavier Bartlett and Cooper Connolly have impressed, while senior names like Smith and Hazlewood continue to lead by example.
The stage is set for a competitive finale, with both sides aiming to make a statement at one of world cricket’s most iconic venues.
Pitch and Conditions at the SCG
The Sydney Cricket Ground usually provides a balanced pitch, slightly favouring batters early before offering grip for spinners later.
- Pitch Type: True surface with even bounce
- Average First Innings Score: 295–310
- Weather: Clear skies, minimal rain threat
- Dew: Low; batting first is generally advantageous
The large square boundaries and slower outfield in the evening make smart running and shot placement more valuable than brute force. Captains often prefer to bat first and build scoreboard pressure.
India Team Preview
India’s top order finally found rhythm in Adelaide, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s fluent 73. However, Virat Kohli’s twin failures and the absence of middle-overs control with the ball remain concerns.
The big question for India is whether they will bring Kuldeep Yadav back into the XI. The SCG’s dry pitch and big boundaries make wrist-spin a tempting option.
Expect India to field a more balanced side — three pacers, two spinners, and an all-rounder to stabilize both departments.
India Predicted Playing XI
- Rohit Sharma (Captain): Looked in fine touch in the last match; needs to convert starts into a big hundred.
- Shubman Gill: Elegant and consistent, but must improve strike rotation in the powerplay.
- Virat Kohli: Two quiet outings mean a strong comeback is likely; SCG suits his batting style perfectly.
- Shreyas Iyer: India’s best middle-over player; quick running and spin tackling will be vital.
- KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper): Dependable under pressure and a safe pair of hands behind the stumps.
- Suryakumar Yadav: The 360-degree batter has yet to explode in this series; ideal player to attack spin and pace at the death.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Brings balance as a spinner, finisher, and elite fielder.
- Kuldeep Yadav: Likely recall for SCG; his variations could trouble Smith and Labuschagne.
- Jasprit Bumrah: World-class control at both ends; key in containing runs and breaking partnerships.
- Mohammed Siraj: Hit-the-deck bowler who can exploit early bounce.
- Arshdeep Singh: Adds left-arm angle and swing variety, valuable against Australia’s right-handers.
Bench: Avesh Khan, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar
Expected Change: Kuldeep Yadav in for an extra seamer to strengthen spin attack.
Australia Team Preview
Australia look confident and complete. Their batting depth and aggressive approach have kept India on the back foot. The new generation — Short, Bartlett, Connolly — has stepped up impressively.
Given their dominance, the Aussies are unlikely to make many changes unless they rest a senior fast bowler.
Australia Predicted Playing XI
- Travis Head: Devastating when set; India’s biggest powerplay threat.
- Matthew Short: Provides balance as a part-time off-spinner and dynamic opener.
- Steve Smith: Calm and composed, the glue in Australia’s innings.
- Marnus Labuschagne: Excellent against spin; ideal middle-overs stabilizer.
- Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper): Reliable behind the stumps, rotates strike effectively.
- Cooper Connolly: Energetic young all-rounder; handy medium-pace and late hitting.
- Cameron Green: Provides seam bowling and finishing power.
- Sean Abbott: Home specialist, uses cutters smartly at the SCG.
- Xavier Bartlett: Swing bowler who impressed in both previous games.
- Adam Zampa: Match-winning leggie; loves bowling at the SCG.
- Josh Hazlewood: Line-and-length expert; new-ball control unmatched.
Possible Rotation: Pat Cummins could replace Hazlewood if workload management is applied.
Key Battles to Watch
Rohit Sharma vs Josh Hazlewood
Rohit must survive the opening spell. Hazlewood’s precision and bounce have dismissed him often, but a steady start could flip momentum.
Virat Kohli vs Adam Zampa
One of modern cricket’s most intriguing duels. Kohli has dominated spinners historically, but Zampa’s drift and deception have earned him multiple dismissals.
Kuldeep Yadav vs Steve Smith
Wrist-spin vs supreme technique. If Kuldeep finds turn, Smith’s patience will be tested in the middle overs.
Bumrah vs Green and Carey
At the death, Bumrah’s yorkers will battle Australia’s late-order power. A decisive mini-contest.
Strategy and Game Plan
For India:
- Protect wickets early and attack the fifth bowler.
- Bowl Kuldeep and Jadeja in tandem to control the middle phase.
- Improve fielding intensity; dropped chances hurt in the first two games.
- Bumrah to handle overs 46–50 exclusively.
For Australia:
- Continue attacking India’s spinners; sweep and reverse-sweep frequently.
- Use Abbott’s cutters and Zampa’s variations to choke India’s finishers.
- Maintain top-order aggression — early pressure pays.
Both sides will treat this as a dress rehearsal for next year’s Champions Trophy, meaning strategic experimentation without losing competitive edge.
Fantasy Cricket Tips
Top Captains:
- Rohit Sharma – back in touch, strong record at SCG.
- Adam Zampa – wicket-taker in middle overs.
Vice-Captains:
- Travis Head – attacking start can swing matches.
- Jasprit Bumrah – guaranteed impact bowler.
Differential Picks:
- Cooper Connolly – all-round value.
- Kuldeep Yadav – wicket potential on a dry surface.
Avoid:
- No. 8–11 batters from either team in small leagues; fewer balls faced.
Fantasy Tip: Build a balanced team with at least two spinners and one left-arm seamer for variation points.
Numbers That Matter
- Australia have won 4 of the last 5 ODIs against India.
- India’s average score batting first this series: 262.
- Zampa’s SCG record: 11 wickets in 5 ODIs.
- Bumrah’s economy in the last 10 overs: under 6.0 — best in the series.
Head-to-Head Overview
| Format | Matches | India Wins | Australia Wins |
| ODIs Overall | 145 | 55 | 80 |
| Last 5 Matches | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| At SCG | 5 | 2 | 3 |
The last time India won at SCG was in 2020, when Hardik Pandya’s heroics helped them chase 323.
Match Prediction
- Toss: Win and bat first.
- Par Score: 300–310.
- Key to Win: Middle-overs wickets and smart spin use.
Expert Take:
Australia’s balance and home advantage make them favourites, but India’s hunger for redemption keeps them in the contest. If India’s top three click, they can push this series finale deep.
Prediction: Australia 55% – India 45%. Expect a thriller with fine margins.
Final Thoughts
The third ODI at Sydney isn’t just another match; it’s a statement opportunity for both sides. Australia will want to reinforce their white-ball dominance, while India will be desperate to finish on a high.
For fans, expect a spectacle — big runs early, spinners controlling the middle, and Bumrah breathing fire at the death.
If Rohit Sharma or Kohli find rhythm, India could finally pull one back. But if Zampa and Head continue their purple patch, Australia might just complete the clean sweep.
Either way, cricket lovers are in for a high-quality showdown at the Sydney Cricket Ground — a fitting finale to a fiercely contested ODI series.