After the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to heavy fog in Lucknow, all eyes are now on Ahmedabad, the venue for the crucial fifth and final T20I. The series hangs in the balance, with India leading 2-1, making this match a must-win for South Africa to level the series. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. local time at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Weather Forecast:
Unlike the fog-induced washout in Lucknow, Ahmedabad is expected to offer ideal conditions for cricket. According to AccuWeather, the city is set for a moderately cold evening. There is no rain expected at any point. Temperatures are predicted to range from 25°C in the morning to 30°C in the afternoon, before dropping to around 20°C by evening. Evening temperatures are forecast to hover around 15°C, with moderate humidity and a mild wind from the north peaking at about 15 km/h. The sky is expected to remain clear throughout the match, with no cloud cover, precipitation, or thunderstorms in the forecast. Dew could be a significant factor in the second innings, potentially favoring the team batting second.
Air Quality Index (AQI):
While the weather forecast is promising, the air quality in Ahmedabad is a concern. Recent readings show the AQI ranging from moderate to poor. As of December 19, 2025, the AQI is around 129-182, which is considered unhealthy. Major pollutants include PM2.5 at 53-100.75 µg/m³ and PM10 at 71-107.75 µg/m³. Other pollutants recorded are Carbon Monoxide (CO) at 40.13ppb, Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) at 26.5 Mb, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 54.75ppb, and Ozone (O3) at 13.13ppb. AccuWeather reports an AQI of 138, which is unhealthy. Sensitive groups may experience health effects immediately and should avoid outdoor activity. Healthy individuals are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation and should consider staying indoors and rescheduling outdoor activities.
Impact on the Game:
Despite the unhealthy AQI, visibility is not expected to be affected, and the chances of match disruption remain low. The expansive outfield, high-quality pitch, and excellent lighting at the Narendra Modi Stadium should ensure the smooth running of the match.
Pitch Report:
The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for its high-scoring affairs, with batters typically enjoying the conditions. The pitch may offer some assistance to pacers initially before slowing down and offering opportunities for spinners. The nature of the surface will depend on the soil color. A red soil pitch will favor batting with good bounce, while a black soil pitch will offer less bounce and favor bowlers, especially spinners.
