The five-match T20 International series between India and South Africa is heating up, with the third match set to break the current deadlock after two thrilling contests. The teams are tied at 1-1, each having delivered a statement performance in the opening matches. As the action shifts to the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, both squads are eager to seize the momentum and edge ahead in this crucial World Cup preparation series.
India began the series in spectacular fashion on December 9, 2025, in Cuttack. After losing the toss, the home side posted a formidable 175-6, thanks largely to an explosive unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls from Hardik Pandya. His innings, studded with four sixes and six fours, turned the tide after early wickets had left India wobbling at 78-4. The Indian bowlers then produced a masterclass, with each of the six used claiming at least one wicket. Axar Patel’s 2-7 in two overs included the key scalp of South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram for 14, while Jasprit Bumrah’s 2-17 saw him reach the milestone of 100 T20 international wickets. South Africa crumbled to their lowest-ever T20 total—just 74 runs in 12.3 overs, with Dewald Brevis top scoring with 22. The previous low, also against India, had been 87 in 2022. India’s victory margin of 101 runs set the tone for a high-stakes series.
But cricket is a game of comebacks, and South Africa proved just that in the second T20 on December 11 in Mullanpur. South Africa’s batting clicked into gear, led by a scintillating 90 off 46 balls from Quinton de Kock, whose knock included five fours and seven towering sixes. He and Markram (29) put together an 83-run partnership for the second wicket, setting South Africa on course for an imposing 213-4. Donovan Ferreira’s unbeaten 30 and David Miller’s quickfire 20 added late impetus. India’s chase faltered early, with Shubman Gill falling for a golden duck to Lungi Ngidi and both Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav dismissed cheaply by Marco Jansen. Despite a fighting 62 off 34 balls from Tilak Varma, regular wickets—especially Ottneil Baartman’s 4-24—meant India was bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs. The 51-run defeat was India’s largest-ever T20 loss at home, a fact not lost on fans or the team.
Tempers flared after the second match, with a viral video showing a heated exchange between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and Hardik Pandya. According to eyewitnesses, Gambhir appeared visibly upset, and the conversation with Pandya—a key player who managed only 20 runs off 23 balls and conceded 34 runs in three wicketless overs—highlighted the mounting pressure on the Indian camp. The disappointment was evident, with both batting and bowling units under scrutiny. As reported, "Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir appeared quite disappointed and angry. His anger did not subside during or after the match." The incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits about India’s readiness and temperament heading into the remaining matches and, ultimately, the T20 World Cup.
South Africa, meanwhile, will look to captain Aiden Markram for continued leadership. After the second match, Markram stated, "Much better tonight. Obviously we started off with a special knock from Quinny (de Kock) and some really good contributions at the end that got us to a really good total." The visitors’ bowling attack, led by Baartman and supported by the likes of Ngidi and Jansen, found its rhythm, exploiting Indian weaknesses and ensuring a comprehensive win. South Africa’s resurgence after being bowled out for 74 in the opener demonstrates the depth and resilience within their squad.
The third T20I, scheduled for December 14, 2025, at 7 PM IST in Dharamsala, offers both teams another chance to stamp their authority. The toss will be at 6:30 PM IST. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on the Jio Hotstar app and website, ensuring fans across the globe can catch every moment. The high-altitude conditions in Dharamsala may favor the seamers, with South Africa’s Marco Jansen especially eager to make an impact. For India, the focus will be on their top order, particularly vice-captain Shubman Gill, who has struggled for form and will be keen to deliver on a big stage.
Predicted lineups for the third match see India fielding Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Arshdeep Singh. South Africa is likely to go with Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman. The squads are deep, and with both teams boasting match-winners, the contest promises to be tightly fought.
This series serves as a vital build-up for the T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026. India, the defending T20 World Cup champions after their thrilling 2024 final win over South Africa, are eager to fine-tune their combinations and regain the upper hand in the series. South Africa, stung by their collapse in the opener but buoyed by a dominant second-match performance, are equally determined to test their mettle in subcontinental conditions.
Fans can expect a charged atmosphere in Dharamsala, with both sides aware of the stakes. Will India’s experienced stars rise to the occasion and reclaim the series lead, or will South Africa’s renewed confidence carry them forward? With the series delicately poised and both teams hungry for success, Sunday’s clash is set to deliver high-octane action and plenty of talking points.
As the teams prepare for the third T20I, all eyes are on how India responds to adversity and whether South Africa can maintain their winning momentum. The answer will unfold under the lights in Dharamsala, where history and future ambitions collide in this fiercely contested series.
