Centurion ODI: India opt to bat first in dead-rubber

Centurion [South Africa], Feb 16 (ANI): India have won the toss and opted to bat first in the dead-rubber sixth and final ODI of the six-match series against South Africa at the SuperSport Park here on Friday.

After winning the toss, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, "As a batting unit, we want to embrace the pressure of chasing. We want to get used to the mindset and get out of the comfort zone and want the bowlers to get used to a situation they might encounter in a crunch game."

South African stand-in skipper Aiden Markram, on the other hand, said that Supersport Park pitch is always a good one to bat on and, therefore, they are looking forward to put out the perfect game today.

As far as Playing XI is concerned, India have made just one change in the squad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been rested and Shardul Thakur has been called in his place.

Meanwhile, the home side are going with four changes. Chris Morris, Imran Tahir, Khaya Zondo and Farhaan Behardien have returned to the side.

An upbeat India, who had earlier scripted a history in South Africa with an unprecedented series win following a 73-run win in the fourth ODI, are currently boosting with confidence and looking to end the series with a 5-1 win heading into the match.

Meanwhile, South Africa would play for pride and would aim to end the ODI series on a winning note.

India XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni(w), Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.

South Africa XI: Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram (c), Jean-Paul Duminy, AB de Villiers, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungisani Ngidi. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI