The India vs. South Africa T20I series is currently tied at 1-1, setting the stage for a crucial third match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on December 14, 2025. After India's commanding 101-run victory in the first T20I, South Africa retaliated with a 51-run win in the second, making this upcoming game a pivotal decider.
All eyes will be on India's top order, particularly Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who are looking to regain their form after a string of inconsistent performances. Their contributions are crucial to stabilizing India's batting lineup and providing a solid foundation for the rest of the team.
In the previous match, India's batting faltered, with the top order collapsing early. While Tilak Varma showcased resilience, he lacked support, and the team was eventually bowled out for 162. South Africa's Ottneil Baartman's impressive four-wicket haul played a significant role in their victory.
The Dharamsala pitch is known to favor pacers due to the high altitude, which allows the ball to travel faster. However, batsmen can expect some assistance during the middle overs. The toss-winning captain may choose to field first, considering the potential impact of dew.
For India, the probable playing eleven includes Suryakumar Yadav (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Arshdeep Singh. South Africa's likely squad features Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, and others.
The weather forecast suggests overcast skies with a slight chance of rain (10%), but a full 20-over game is expected.
Both teams will be eager to take the lead in this five-match series, with the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, making every match a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads. India will aim to address their recent batting concerns, while South Africa seeks to maintain their momentum. Marco Jansen, the tall South African pacer, could be a key bowler in this match, capable of exploiting the conditions to pick up wickets.
