India and South Africa face off one last time in the series as the fifth and final T20I concludes the all-format tour at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19. With India holding a 2-1 lead, the finale promises high intensity as both sides aim to finish the tour on a strong note.
Match Details
Match: India vs South Africa, 5th T20I, South Africa tour of India 2025
Date & Time: Friday, December 19, 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match Overview
India entered the T20I series after clinching the ODI leg 2-1 and have mirrored that advantage in the shortest format as well. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side has looked settled and confident, combining explosive batting with disciplined bowling. Although India already have an unassailable lead, avoiding defeat is crucial if they are to officially seal the T20I series.
South Africa showed their fighting spirit with a convincing 51-run win in the second T20I, but consistency has been an issue. Their loss in Dharamshala ended their hopes of winning the series, yet a victory in Ahmedabad would allow them to level the scoreline at 2-2 and head home with some pride intact.
Team Overviews
India’s strength lies in their depth. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill provide aggression at the top, while Suryakumar Yadav anchors the middle order with flair and experience. The presence of all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube adds balance, while the bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, has been clinical across phases.
South Africa rely heavily on their experienced top order. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks set the tone, while Aiden Markram leads a powerful middle order featuring David Miller, Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs. Their pace unit, comprising Nortje, Ngidi and Jansen, remains their biggest weapon.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
India and South Africa have played 34 T20Is so far.
India have won 20 matches, South Africa 13, while one match ended without a result.
The most recent encounter on December 14, 2025, was won by India.
Pitch Report – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Ahmedabad surface is generally batter-friendly, especially early on. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, making chasing slightly tricky. The average first-innings score here in T20Is is around 183. Teams batting first and posting above-par totals have often emerged victorious, despite dew being a factor later in the evening.
Probable Playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje
Key Players to Watch
Shubman Gill returns to a venue where he scored his maiden T20I century and will be keen to dominate once again. Jasprit Bumrah, playing a T20I at his home ground, remains India’s trump card with his control in both powerplay and death overs. For South Africa, Quinton de Kock’s starts and David Miller’s finishing ability could be decisive.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast on JioStar Network channels and streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.
In South Africa, live coverage will be available on SuperSport platforms.
Viewers in other regions can follow the match through official regional sports broadcasters and digital streaming apps carrying international cricket coverage.
Probable Match Scenarios and Prediction
If India bat first and cross the 180-run mark, their bowling attack gives them a clear edge. South Africa’s best chance lies in early wickets and a strong powerplay with the bat. Considering current form and conditions, the team batting first is expected to have the upper hand, with India starting as favourites to finish the series on a winning note.