The anticipation is palpable as India and South Africa gear up for the second T20 International of their five-match series, set to unfold at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on December 11, 2025. The hosts are riding high after a thumping 101-run victory in the series opener, and now, with the new stadium hosting its first-ever men’s international T20, both teams have everything to play for in this crucial encounter.
India’s performance in the first T20I at Cuttack was nothing short of clinical. After being put in to bat, the Men in Blue posted a formidable 175/6, thanks largely to Hardik Pandya’s explosive return from injury. Pandya, who had been sidelined since September with a quadriceps issue, announced his comeback in style, smashing an unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls. His innings, laced with six fours and four sixes, not only rescued India from a precarious 48/3 but also set the stage for a dominant bowling display.
"I was very satisfied with the way I was batting," Pandya said after claiming the player of the match award. Reflecting on his recovery, he added, "It's very satisfying when you come here and the results follow." Alongside him, contributions from Tilak Varma (26), Axar Patel (23), Shivam Dube (11), and Jitesh Sharma (10*) ensured India finished with a total that looked out of reach for the visitors.
South Africa’s response was, frankly, disastrous. Chasing 176, their batting lineup collapsed under relentless pressure from India’s bowling attack, folding for a measly 74 in just 12.3 overs—their lowest total ever in T20 Internationals. Arshdeep Singh (2/14) set the tone early, removing Quinton de Kock for a second-ball duck and then dismissing Tristan Stubbs for 14. Jasprit Bumrah (2/17), who claimed his 100th T20 wicket during the match, Axar Patel (2/7), Varun Chakaravarthy (2/19), Hardik Pandya (1/16), and Shivam Dube (1/1) shared the spoils, as South Africa never looked in the hunt.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav was quick to praise his team’s all-round effort, saying, "To reach 175 after being 48 for 3 was fantastic. We initially thought we’d get around 160, so 175 was unbelievable. With 7-8 batters, there will be times when others can cover for one another. We want everyone to be fearless and enjoy their batting." He also emphasized the careful management of Pandya’s bowling workload as he returns from injury, noting, "Hardik is coming back from injury, so we had to manage him carefully and bring him in later."
The Proteas, meanwhile, have plenty to ponder. Captain Aiden Markram acknowledged the shortcomings, stating, "From a batting point of view, it's unfortunately something that can happen in this format. It's a pity that it had to happen in the first game. It's a quick turnaround and we'll give it another crack in a couple of days' time." For South Africa to bounce back, the onus will be on experienced hands like Quinton de Kock, Markram himself, and David Miller to steady the ship. Dewald Brevis showed flashes of promise with a brisk 22, but the middle order desperately needs more substance.
As the series moves to Mullanpur, both teams will encounter a pitch that promises even bounce and some early seam movement, especially under lights. The outfield is quick, rewarding positive stroke play, but as the ball softens, spinners are expected to play a pivotal role in the latter half of the match. Based on previous T20 fixtures at the venue, a total north of 170 is considered competitive—a fact both captains will have in mind at the toss.
Team combinations are likely to remain unchanged, with India looking settled and confident. The probable XI for India features Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (w), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Arshdeep Singh. For South Africa, the expected lineup includes Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, and Kwena Maphaka.
However, India will be mindful of a couple of concerns. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill have not been in the best of form with the bat, and their early wickets in the first match exposed the middle order to pressure. But with Pandya’s return and the depth in the batting lineup, India’s balance looks enviable. On the bowling front, the quartet of Bumrah, Arshdeep, Axar, and Chakaravarthy have shown they can dismantle even the most formidable lineups.
For South Africa, the challenge is twofold: weathering the early storm from India’s seamers and then negotiating the spin threat in the middle overs. Their pace attack, spearheaded by Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, will need to exploit any early movement the pitch offers to put India’s top order under pressure. The Proteas’ fielding and bowling discipline must also improve if they want to keep the series alive.
Head-to-head, India holds a clear advantage in T20Is, having won 19 of the 32 matches played, while South Africa has claimed 12 victories with one no result. The psychological edge is firmly with the hosts, but cricket’s shortest format is notorious for its unpredictability. Can South Africa turn the tables and level the series, or will India tighten their grip and surge to a 2-0 lead?
The action gets underway at 7:00 pm IST (1:30 pm GMT), with the all-important toss at 6:30 pm IST. Fans in India can catch the live telecast on the Star Sports Network, while streaming is available on the JioHotstar app and website. With the series poised delicately and a new venue set to etch its name in international cricket history, excitement levels are sky-high.
As both teams make their final preparations, the stage is set for another riveting contest. Will India’s bowling unit continue their dominance, or can South Africa’s batters find the answers on a fresh pitch? All eyes are on Mullanpur as the battle resumes, with the promise of high-octane cricket and plenty of drama under the lights.
