The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur is all set to host the second ODI between India and South Africa. India holds a 1-0 lead in the series and will be looking to capitalize on their momentum. South Africa, however, is expected to be a stronger force with the likely return of captain Temba Bavuma, whose presence at the top of the order could provide the stability they missed in the previous game.
Regarding the playing surface, the Raipur pitch is tipped to be a batting-friendly track. Its flat nature suggests that spectators can anticipate a high-scoring encounter, making it a challenging prospect for the bowlers. The influence of dew in the second innings is also a significant factor to consider, potentially making chasing a more attractive option for the captains.
This fixture marks only the second ODI to be played at this venue. While the first ODI here was characterized by lower scores, current expectations for the December 3rd match are for a run-fest. Both teams will need to be at their best to adapt to these conditions and secure a vital victory in the series.