The IND vs SA 3rd T20I preview 2025 is here, and cricket fans are buzzing with excitement! After a nail-biting start to the South Africa tour of India 2025, the five-match T20I series stands level at 1-1. India crushed the Proteas by a massive margin in the first game, but South Africa roared back with a dominant performance in the second. Now, all eyes turn to the stunning Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown on December 14, 2025.
Will Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive India reclaim momentum in the picturesque hills, or will Aiden Markram’s resilient South Africa surge ahead? This IND vs SA 3rd T20I preview 2025 dives deep into everything you need – from pitch reports and probable XIs to player battles and predictions. Let’s break it down!
Match Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | South Africa Tour of India 2025 – 3rd T20I (5-match series) |
| Date | Sunday, December 14, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT) |
| Venue | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Series Status | Level 1-1 |
| TV Broadcast (India) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (India) | JioHotstar |
This IND vs SA 3rd T20I preview 2025 highlights why this match is pivotal – a win here gives either team a crucial 2-1 lead heading into the final two games.
Venue Guide: The Picturesque HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Nestled at 1,457 meters above sea level, the HPCA Stadium is one of the most scenic cricket venues globally. Surrounded by the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains, it offers a visual treat unlike any other ground.
| Venue Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium |
| City | Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh |
| Capacity | 23,000 |
| Ends | River End, College End |
| Home Teams | Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Kings (IPL) |
The stadium has hosted several IPL matches and limited internationals, making it a fan favorite for its beauty and challenging conditions.
Dharamsala T20I Stats and Records
Dharamsala has hosted around 11 T20 Internationals, known for pace-friendly tracks due to altitude and bounce.
| T20I Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | 11 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 4 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 6 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 137 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 128 |
| Highest Total | 200/3 (South Africa vs India, 2015) |
| Lowest Total | 59/5 (Netherlands vs Ireland, rain-reduced) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 200/3 (South Africa vs India) |
Pacers enjoy early swing and bounce, while the pitch often flattens out later. Chasing has a slight edge historically.
Pitch Report and Surface Analysis for IND vs SA 3rd T20I Dharamsala
The HPCA pitch is typically lively, offering good pace and carry thanks to the high altitude. Early overs favor fast bowlers with seam movement, but it becomes better for batting as the game progresses.
- Surface Characteristics: Grass cover aids pacers initially; short boundaries (around 65-70 meters) help big hitters.
- Expected Par Score: 170-180 if batting first.
- Dew Factor Impact: Minimal in chilly December evenings, but slight dew could make bowling second easier for grip.
- Favorable Conditions: Pace bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Anrich Nortje thrive early; aggressive batsmen excel later.
Teams often prefer bowling first to exploit conditions.
Toss Prediction and Its Impact
In Dharamsala T20Is, bowling first has won more games. With potential mild dew and early assistance, the toss winner is likely to bowl first. A smart toss call could prove decisive in this IND vs SA 3rd T20I preview 2025.
What do you think – bat or bowl first? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Weather Forecast for December 14, 2025 in Dharamsala
Mid-December in Dharamsala is cold and crisp.
| Weather Element | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature (Evening) | 5-10°C |
| Conditions | Mostly clear, chilly winds possible |
| Rain Chance | Low (under 10%) |
| Impact | Full match expected; cold may aid seam bowling |
No interruptions likely – perfect for a complete thriller!
Live Streaming and TV Broadcast Guide in India
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Telecast | Star Sports Network (multiple languages) |
| Online Streaming | JioHotstar (app and website) |
Global viewers can check local broadcasters like SuperSport in South Africa.
Ticket Buying Guide for HPCA Stadium Match
Tickets for this high-profile game are in demand!
- Booking Platforms: Official HPCA website (hpca.cricket), BookMyShow, or Paytm.
- Price Range: ₹800-₹12,000 (stands to hospitality).
- Tips: Book early online; offline counters at stadium subject to availability.
- Advice: Arrive early for the stunning views and atmosphere!
Link to official booking: HPCA Official Site or BookMyShow.
Full Squads for IND vs SA 2025 T20I Series
India Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Batter |
| Shubman Gill (vc) | Top-order Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batting Allrounder |
| Tilak Varma | Batting Allrounder |
| Sanju Samson (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Hardik Pandya | Allrounder |
| Shivam Dube | Allrounder |
| Axar Patel | Allrounder |
| Washington Sundar | Bowling Allrounder |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Bowler |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler |
South Africa Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (c) | Middle-order Batter |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Reeza Hendricks | Opening Batter |
| Dewald Brevis | Middle-order Batter |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter |
| David Miller | Middle-order Batter |
| Donovan Ferreira | Allrounder |
| Marco Jansen | Bowling Allrounder |
| Corbin Bosch | Allrounder |
| George Linde | Allrounder |
| Keshav Maharaj | Bowler |
| Ottneil Baartman | Bowler |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler |
| Anrich Nortje | Bowler |
| Lutho Sipamla | Bowler |
Probable Playing XI and Team News
India Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson/Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav/Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana.
- Possible Changes: Sanju Samson may return as opener if Gill struggles; spin-heavy for potential turn.
South Africa Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs/David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje/Ottneil Baartman.
- Likely unchanged after strong second T20I.
Players to Watch: Key Batters and Bowlers
Top Batters to Watch
| Player | Team | Recent Form/Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | IND | Explosive opener; high SR in powerplay |
| Tilak Varma | IND | Consistent middle-order; fought hard in 2nd T20I |
| Quinton de Kock | SA | Blazing 90 in 2nd T20I |
| Dewald Brevis | SA | Young gun with aggressive strokeplay |
Top Bowlers to Watch
| Player | Team | Recent Form/Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Varun Chakravarthy | IND | Mystery spin; wicket-taker in 2025 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | IND | Pace ace; exploits bounce perfectly |
| Corbin Bosch | SA | Impressive economy and wickets |
| Anrich Nortje | SA | Raw pace to trouble batsmen |
Key Battles: Bumrah vs de Kock, Abhishek vs Ngidi – these could decide the game!
IND vs SA T20I Head-to-Head Stats and Records
| Head-to-Head Aspect | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | 32+ (India leads ~18-12) |
| India Wins | 18 |
| South Africa Wins | 12 |
| No Result | 1-2 |
| Last 5 Matches | SA win (51 runs, Dec 11), IND win (large margin, Dec 9), IND wins in Nov 2024 series |
India dominates recent encounters, but South Africa’s comeback shows they’re dangerous.
Recent Performances and Form
- India: Strong home record; demolished SA in 1st T20I but collapsed chasing in 2nd.
- South Africa: Bounced back brilliantly; de Kock and pace attack firing on all cylinders.
Both teams have depth, but India’s spin options suit varying conditions.
IND vs SA 2nd T20I 2025 Recap!
FAQs About IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025
What is the pitch report for IND vs SA 3rd T20I Dharamsala? Pace-friendly early, flattens later; par score 170-180.
When and where is the IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025? December 14, 7 PM IST, HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala.
Probable playing XI for India vs South Africa 3rd T20I? See tables above for likely lineups.
How to watch IND vs SA live streaming in India? JioHotstar; TV on Star Sports.
Who will win IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025? India marginal favorites, but toss key.
Weather forecast for Dharamsala match? Clear and cold; full game expected.
Head to head IND vs SA T20I? India leads overall.
Players to watch in IND vs SA Dharamsala? de Kock, Bumrah, Tilak Varma.
This epic clash amid Himalayan beauty is unmissable! Stay tuned to IPL Star for live updates. What’s your bold prediction? Share below and let’s discuss!
In-Depth Match Analysis and Winning Prediction
India’s batting firepower and home advantage make them favorites, but South Africa’s pace suits Dharamsala’s bounce. Toss and powerplay will be crucial.
Winning Prediction: India – 60% chance. They have superior depth and motivation to regain lead. Expect a close, high-scoring affair!
Do you agree? Who wins the IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025? Comment your score prediction below!
FAQs: IND vs SA 3rd T20I Preview 2025 – Dharamsala Clash
1. When and where is the IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025 being played?
The IND vs SA 3rd T20I preview 2025 features the match on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST. It takes place at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, India.
2. What is the pitch report for IND vs SA 3rd T20I Dharamsala 2025?
The HPCA Stadium pitch offers good pace and bounce due to high altitude. Fast bowlers get early seam movement, but it flattens later for batters. Expect a par score of 170-180, with short boundaries aiding big hits.
3. What is the weather forecast for IND vs SA 3rd T20I in Dharamsala on December 14, 2025?
Mid-December in Dharamsala brings cold evenings (5-10°C) with mostly clear skies and low rain chance (under 10%). Chilly winds may help seam bowling, but a full match is likely with no major interruptions.
4. What are the probable playing XI for India and South Africa in the 3rd T20I 2025?
India Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson/Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana. South Africa Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs/David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje.
5. How to watch IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025 live streaming and TV broadcast in India?
Watch on Star Sports Network (TV) in multiple languages. Live streaming is free/select plans on JioHotstar app/website.
6. Who are the key players to watch in IND vs SA 3rd T20I Dharamsala 2025?
For India: Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma. For South Africa: Quinton de Kock (in form after 90 in 2nd T20I), Anrich Nortje, Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram.
7. What is the head-to-head record between India and South Africa in T20Is?
India leads overall with around 18 wins to South Africa’s 12 (1-2 no results). In this series: India won 1st T20I heavily; South Africa won 2nd by 51 runs.
8. Will dew factor play a role in IND vs SA 3rd T20I at Dharamsala?
Dew is minimal in December’s chilly conditions compared to warmer venues. Slight dew might ease bowling second, so teams may prefer bowling first to exploit early bounce.
9. What is the toss prediction and its impact for IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025?
Toss winner likely bowls first to use pace-friendly early conditions and any mild dew. Historically at Dharamsala, chasing has a slight edge in T20Is.
10. Who is predicted to win the IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025 in Dharamsala?
India are marginal favorites (55-60% chance) due to home advantage, batting depth, and stars like Bumrah. South Africa’s pace attack suits the venue, promising a close contest.