The fifth T20I match between India and South Africa will take place in Ahmedabad, a key fixture in their ongoing series. With South Africa having clinched the Test series 2-0 and competing fiercely in ODIs, this final T20I offers them a chance to redeem themselves.
India vs South Africa 2025/26: Ahmedabad Hosts 5th T20I Finale
This match is crucial for both teams but especially for South Africa, who have not won a T20I series against India since 2018. The foggy conditions that hindered play in Lucknow will not be a concern in Ahmedabad, where weather conditions are optimal for cricket.
Team Performances and Current Form
- India: Their recent T20I form includes four wins and one loss in the last five matches.
- South Africa: They have struggled recently, recording four losses in their last five T20Is.
Key Players to Watch
Marco Jansen has emerged as a standout player for South Africa, showcasing his skills with bat, ball, and in the field. Conversely, Suryakumar Yadav, despite India’s successes, has been unable to find form, having not scored a half-century since October 2022.
Team News
Jasprit Bumrah returns to the lineup after personal leave, which bolsters India’s bowling attack. However, Axar Patel is sidelined due to illness and Shubman Gill may miss out due to a toe injury, potentially giving Sanju Samson an opportunity.
Probable Line-ups:
| India | South Africa |
|---|---|
| 1. Abhishek Sharma | 1. Quinton de Kock (wk) |
| 2. Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson | 2. Reeza Hendricks |
| 3. Suryakumar Yadav (capt) | 3. Aiden Markram (capt) |
| 4. Tilak Varma | 4. Dewald Brevis |
| 5. Jitesh Sharma (wk) | 5. David Miller |
| 6. Hardik Pandya | 6. Donovan Ferreira |
| 7. Shivam Dube | 7. Marco Jansen |
| 8. Harshit Rana/Washington Sundar | 8. Corbin Bosch |
| 9. Arshdeep Singh | 9. George Linde/Keshav Maharaj/Anrich Nortje |
| 10. Jasprit Bumrah | 10. Lungi Ngidi |
| 11. Varun Chakravarthy | 11. Ottneil Baartman |
Pitch Conditions
The ambiance in Ahmedabad is expected to be favorable, with warmer temperatures ensuring a pleasant experience for players and fans alike. This could potentially lead to a closely contested match amid ideal playing conditions.
With so much at stake, the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series for both India and South Africa.
