India and South Africa face off in the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, with the hosts holding a 2–1 lead in the series. The fourth match in Lucknow was abandoned due to fog, making this encounter a series decider. India can clinch the series outright, while South Africa need a win to square it.
Series context
India have controlled most phases of the series, particularly with the ball, though their batting has yet to fully click. Starts have been inconsistent, and the middle order has often been forced into consolidation rather than dominance.
South Africa’s issues have been more glaring. The third T20I witnessed a clear batting collapse, undoing a decent platform. Aiden Markram was the only batter to show composure, as wickets fell rapidly and momentum disappeared.
South Africa’s batting under scrutiny
Quinton de Kock’s fluent innings in the second T20I remains South Africa’s standout batting effort so far. However, consistency has been missing across the lineup. There have been no significant contributions yet from Dewald Brevis or David Miller, two players expected to control the middle and death overs.
With the series on the line, South Africa face a direct question: can their batters finally deliver under pressure, or will familiar collapses resurface once again?
India’s selection watch
India’s XI could depend on Shubman Gill’s availability, with the opener still doubtful due to a toe injury. If unavailable, Sanju Samson is the most logical replacement at the top, allowing India to maintain balance without reshuffling the order.
In spin, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to feature, despite having played only one match so far. Alongside Varun Chakravarthy, he remains India’s lead wrist-spinner in the format, particularly effective against South Africa’s right-hand-heavy middle order. With Axar Patel unavailable, Shahbaz Ahmed offers the left-arm spin option and batting depth.
New-ball firepower: Bumrah and Arshdeep
India receive a major boost with the return of Jasprit Bumrah, whose presence immediately elevates their bowling attack. Alongside Arshdeep Singh, India now possess one of the most potent new-ball combinations in the format.
Arshdeep’s ability to swing the ball early and attack the stumps complements Bumrah’s precision, pace variation, and control. Together, they offer India the chance to dictate the powerplay, target South Africa’s top order early, and expose a middle order that has already shown vulnerability in this series.
Batting focus: India
India will look for greater assurance from their batting unit. Shubman Gill, if he plays, is well suited to the true bounce in Ahmedabad. Abhishek Sharma, however, could be the tone-setter, with the surface favouring his aggressive powerplay approach.
Captain under pressure
Runs from the skipper Suryakumar Yadav are required in a match of this magnitude. The Indian captain has yet to produce a defining innings in the series. While Suryakumar has stated that he is “not out of form, just out of runs”, a series decider is where such statements demand validation. This surface offers him the chance to respond with performance rather than words.
Pitch and conditions
The Ahmedabad pitch is expected to provide good bounce and carry, encouraging stroke-play. Dew later in the evening could influence conditions, making early wickets and disciplined execution even more valuable.
What to expect
India enter as favourites due to home advantage and superior depth, but South Africa remain dangerous if their batting finally clicks. With the series on the line, the Bumrah–Arshdeep new-ball pairing and middle-order accountability on both sides are likely to decide the outcome.
