India has played only 10 ODIs at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam

After India won the first ODI game against South Africa, it felt as if the team was finally getting back to its winning ways. However, despite Virat Kohli’s back-to-back centuries and Ruturaj Gaikwad stepping up with his 105 runs, South Africa levelled the series in Raipur, thanks to Aiden Markram’s 110 at the top and quick bursts of runs from tail-enders such as Tony de Zorzi, who scored 17 off 11 balls, followed by Corbin Bosch, who made 29 runs in 15 deliveries.

In short, Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, will host the series-deciding game at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Ahead of the game, here’s a look at India’s stats at the venue.

Only 10 games played

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The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium hosted its first-ever ODI match in 2005 between India and PAK, and in the last 20 years, the stadium has witnessed only 10 ODI games. Out of the 10 matches, seven games went in India’s favour, whereas two were lost, and one game ended in a tie. The two matches that India lost were against Australia (2023) and the West Indies (2013), and even the game that was tied was against the West Indies in 2018.

India’s last horror show

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India’s last game at the venue was against Australia, which became a horror show for the Men in Blue. Batting first, the Indian batting lineup managed to put only 117 runs on the board with notable runs coming from the willow of Virat Kohli (31) and Axar Patel (29). In response, the Aussies chased the target in 11 overs without losing a single wicket.

Ro-Ko’s stats

At the venue, the two highest run scorers are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are fortunately in the current squad playing the ODI series. Kohli leads the table with seven matches played at the venue, having scored 587 runs at an average of 97.83. The venue has been a favourable ground for Kohli, as he has three centuries, with a high score of 157.

(Credit- The Indian Express)

The second-highest run getter is Sharma with 355 runs at an average of 59.16, including one century and two fifties.

Most wickets

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As far as bowling statistics are concerned, fortunately, Kuldeep Yadav is in the squad and leads the wicket tally in Vizag with 9 wickets to his name. Ravindra Jadeja also makes the list with five wickets in five games.

India takes on South Africa on December 6, with most predictions favouring India given the home side's depth and South Africa's lack of experience on the Vizag pitch. However, it must not be forgotten that the Proteas won in Raipur, a venue where they had never played before the second ODI but emerged victorious.