In a thrilling repeat of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, India and South Africa lock horns in the first T20I of the series at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9. This match also marks the final leg of the all-format tour after South Africa won the Test series while India clinched the ODIs.
Match Details (Points)
Match: India vs South Africa, 1st T20I
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Tournament: South Africa tour of India 2025
Team Overview
India arrive at this contest riding on tremendous momentum. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue have looked sharp and confident in the shortest format. Their recent achievements include winning the Asia Cup 2025 and registering a memorable T20I series win against Australia in Australia. With the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching fast, this series is a critical phase of preparation as India look to defend their global crown. The squad blends youth and experience well, with explosive batters at the top and a lethal bowling unit featuring both pace and mystery spin.
South Africa, on the other hand, are going through a rough phase in T20 cricket. They enter this series after suffering a 1-2 defeat against Pakistan and a shock loss to Namibia in a one-off T20I. A drawn series against England earlier also reflected inconsistency rather than dominance. Despite having proven match-winners in their squad, the Proteas now face pressure to rediscover winning momentum and stability ahead of future global events.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
A total of 31 T20Is have been played between the two sides so far. India hold a clear edge with 18 wins, while South Africa have won 12 games. One match ended without a result. Their first T20I meeting took place on December 1, 2006, while their most recent clash was on November 15, 2024.
Probable Playing XIs (Latest Tour Squads)
India:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa:
Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Key Players to Watch
Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the most dangerous T20 batters over the last year. After being the Player of the Series in the Asia Cup and delivering strongly against Australia, he continued his form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a century and two fifties. His aggressive intent at the top could set the tone for India.
For South Africa, David Miller and Quinton de Kock remain the backbone of their batting order, while Marco Jansen and Nortje provide firepower with the ball. Varun Chakravarthy is expected to play a crucial role for India with his mystery spin, especially on a pitch that does not offer much natural grip.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack has hosted three T20 Internationals so far, with teams chasing winning two of those games. The pitch offers balanced assistance to both pacers and spinners, but bowlers with variations are expected to thrive. Due to dew and cold conditions, the ball may not grip much in the second innings. A target of around 160 is considered competitive on this surface.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. In South Africa, the match will be available on SuperSport, while viewers in other regions can follow it on local sports networks and official digital platforms.
Match Scenarios and Prediction
If India bat first, they will look to go hard in the powerplay through Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, while the middle order anchored by Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya can push the total beyond 170. South Africa’s pace attack will aim to strike early to put India under pressure.
If South Africa bat first, their success will depend heavily on De Kock and Markram giving them a solid start. India’s bowling strength, particularly Bumrah and Varun, could prove decisive in the middle overs.
Prediction: Based on current form, squad balance, and home advantage, India start as favorites to take the first T20I, though South Africa have enough firepower to spring a surprise if they click as a unit.