India and South Africa will face each other in the first T20 International of their series on Tuesday, December 9, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, which is a repeat of the T20 World Cup 2024 final. This match is the last leg of the South African team’s extensive tour of India, during which they showcased their competitive spirit throughout. The South African Don’s performance was exceptional, and they won the Test series without much trouble in the longest format of the game.
Yet, India made a strong comeback in the One-Day International segment, winning the ODI series and thus proving their mettle across formats. With the Test series lost and the ODI series won, India will try to end the tour on a high note by winning the T20I match against the strong South African side.
India vs South Africa Match Details
| Match | India vs South Africa, 1st T20I, South Africa tour of India 2025 |
| Date and Time (IST) | Tuesday, December 9; 7:00 PM |
| Venue | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack |
| Broadcast and live-streaming details | JioStar Network Channels and JioHotstar (App and Website) |
India vs South Africa — Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
| Matches Played | 31 |
| IND Won | 18 |
| SA Won | 12 |
| Tied / No Results | 1 |
Barabati Stadium, Cuttack—Pitch Report
India’s Strengths
Suryakumar Yadav’s India arrives brimming with confidence after winning the Asia Cup 2025 and securing a series victory against Australia. Their consistent form demonstrates championship pedigree with tactical acumen. The team’s defensive prowess and aggressive batting approach create a formidable combination, making them strong contenders for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup defense.
India’s Weaknesses
Despite recent success, India faces potential rotation-related inconsistency concerns. Their bench strength for certain positions may lack match practice against quality opposition. Complacency from recent victories could prove costly if discipline lapses. Unfamiliarity with specific match conditions or opposition bowling tactics might momentarily disrupt their rhythm in pressure moments.
South Africa’s Strengths
South Africa possesses world-class batting talent and experienced pace bowling resources. Their proven ability to perform under pressure in international cricket provides a competitive edge. The squad combines individual brilliance with strategic resilience, capable of sudden performances that can challenge any team in T20 cricket.
South Africa’s Weaknesses
South Africa’s recent form raises serious concerns, having lost 1-2 to Pakistan and suffered defeat against Namibia. Inconsistency in T20I cricket undermines confidence levels considerably. Mental fragility during crucial phases and inability to handle aggressive opposition create significant vulnerability. Their struggling middle order adds pressure on top batsmen, potentially exposing technical deficiencies.
IND vs SA — Predicted Playing 11s
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