In the second T20I at Cuttack, everyone thought the South African side would claw their way back into the series, leaving India with their heads in the sand. What actually happened was a stunning reversal: the Proteas edged India by 51 runs, tying the series 1–1. The defeat was more than a margin of runs; it sparked a round‑the‑world criticism of the Indian squad, their on‑field performance, and the way the team is run. Captain Suryakumar Yadav was quick to admit that his and Shubman Gill’s form has dipped, pointing out the issues that must be tackled before the next encounter.
With the 2026 T20 World Cup just around the corner, every match feels pivotal for the Indian camp as it tries to lock in a winning combination. The bowlers, in particular, had a rough outing in the first game, surrendering too many overs. Fans expect a stronger display from India now that South Africa has set a higher bar, and the Indian side is under acute pressure to silence the critics.
Match Overview
- Series: South Africa tour of India 2025
- Match: India vs South Africa – 3rd T20I
- Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m. IST
Head‑to‑Head Record
In 33 T20I clashes, India has emerged victorious 19 times, while South Africa has won 13 and one match was abandoned.
Pitch Conditions
The HPCA Ground offers a quick surface with good bounce, making it a solid platform for batting and a useful aid for pace bowlers. Spin will likely see limited help as the pitch retains its firmness, but dew is expected to arrive late in the game, giving the side batting second a definite advantage.
Streaming Details
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Digital: Jio Hotstar app or website
Weather Forecast
Sunday evenings in Dharamsala will be cool, with daytime highs around 10–12 °C, nighttime lows dropping to about 8 °C. Humidity is forecast at 60–70 % and winds will be moderate, roughly 8 km/h.
Recent Form
- South Africa: Win, Loss, Loss, Loss, Win
- India: Win, Win, No Result, Win, Loss
Predicted XI
India: A. Sharma, S. Gill, S. Yadav (c), T. Varma, A. Patel, J. Sharma (wk), H. Pandya, S. Dube, V. Chakravarthy, A. Singh, J. Bumrah
South Africa: R. Hendricks, Q. de Kock (wk), A. Markram (c), D. Brevis, D. Miller, D. Ferreira, G. Linde, M. Jansen, L. Sipamla, L. Ngidi, O. Baartman
Key Players to Watch
- South Africa: Quinton de Kock has already shown grit; his aggressive batting will be crucial in setting or chasing a target.
- India: Abhishek Sharma is the main threat for the Proteas; a big innings from him could help India gain momentum.
Best Bowler Projection
- South Africa: Lungisani Ngidi, who has been effective with both the new and old ball across the first two matches.
- India: Varun Chakravarthy, the top‑ranked T20I bowler, noted for his wicket‑taking ability and tight spell control.
Match Prediction
India is feeling the heat from a string of underwhelming games, especially from their top order. Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill have yet to deliver runs, putting pressure on the batting lineup. Despite South Africa’s solid all‑round performance so far, India’s bowling still possesses a lethal edge. The contest will likely hinge on batting: India’s top order has struggled while the Proteas’ batters have been more consistent. Nevertheless, the overall balance leans slightly in favour of India as they have shown steadiness across both departments.
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