Cuttack, India – India and South Africa commenced their five-match T20I series today at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, with India looking to start strong. The match is a repeat of the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
After South Africa won the Test series 2-0 and India clinched the ODI series 2-1, both teams are eager to gain the upper hand in the T20I series. The toss is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST, with the first ball to be bowled at 7:00 PM IST.
India's squad sees the return of Hardik Pandya, who had been sidelined with a quadriceps injury, causing him to miss the Asia Cup final and the tour in Australia. Jasprit Bumrah is also back in the squad, having been rested for the ODI series. Shubman Gill has recovered from a neck injury and is set to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the Indian side. The rest of the Indian squad includes: * Abhishek Sharma * Tilak Varma * Shivam Dube * Axar Patel * Jitesh Sharma * Varun Chakaravarthy * Kuldeep Yadav * Washington Sundar * Sanju Samson * Arshdeep Singh * Harshit Rana
Aiden Markram will lead the South African side, which includes players such as: * Quinton de Kock * Tony de Zorzi * Dewald Brevis * Tristan Stubbs * David Miller * Marco Jansen * Corbin Bosch * Keshav Maharaj * Anrich Nortje * Lungi Ngidi * Reeza Hendricks * Ottneil Baartman * Donovan Ferreira * Kwena Maphaka * George Linde
The Barabati Stadium has hosted three T20Is, with South Africa having won on two occasions. The team winning the toss may opt to bowl first, keeping the dew factor in mind. The pitch is expected to offer assistance to both spin and pace bowlers, with variations being key for success. A total of 160 is considered a competitive score on this pitch.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has been in impressive form, securing the Asia Cup 2025 title and a series win against Australia. As the defending champions gear up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, this series marks the beginning of their preparations for the mega event.
South Africa, on the other hand, aims to rebound after a disappointing run in the T20 format, including a 1-2 defeat against Pakistan and a loss to Namibia.
