IND vs SA 1st T20I, Pitch Report, Head to Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction

India and South Africa are all set to lock horns in the first T20I of the South Africa Tour of India 2025 on December 9 at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. After an eventful ODI and Test series, both teams are now shifting focus toward the shortest format, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 just a few months away. This five-match T20I series is expected to provide crucial insights into team combinations and player form ahead of the mega ICC tournament.

Match Details: IND vs SA

Detail	Information
Series	South Africa Tour of India 2025
Match	India vs South Africa, 1st T20I
Date and Time	9 December 2025, 7:00 PM IST
Venue	Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Toss	To be updated
Live Streaming	FanCode, Star Sports Network, JioHotstar

Match Preview

India enters the T20I series after securing a 2–1 victory in the ODIs, giving them momentum and confidence. The team will be boosted by the return of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, both recovering from previous injuries. Suryakumar Yadav, India’s dynamic T20 specialist, will continue to lead the side, while the bowling attack looks potent with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy forming a strong pace-spin combination.

South Africa, meanwhile, arrives with a balanced squad packed with firepower. Their batting lineup - featuring Aiden Markram, David Miller, Dewald Brevis, and Quinton de Kock - adds experience and explosiveness. Their bowling unit, led by Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, and Keshav Maharaj, gives them the ability to trouble India through pace, bounce, and spin.

With both sides eyeing early dominance in the series, fans can expect a thrilling contest under lights in Cuttack.

Head-to-Head in T20Is: IND vs SA

Team	Matches Won
India	18
South Africa	12
No Result	1

India holds the advantage historically, but South Africa have often troubled them in away fixtures.

Also Read: Who Is Amit Passi? The Cricketer Who Created a T20 Debut Record

Weather & Pitch Report – Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

Weather Report: The weather is expected to stay clear and humid, with no chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted game of cricket.
Pitch Report: The Barabati surface traditionally offers early movement and bounce, making it favorable for seamers. As the match progresses under the lights, spinners are likely to get some grip. A total around 160 - 175 could be competitive on this pitch.

Probable Playing 11

India (IND) Playing 11:

1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Suryakumar Yadav (C), 4. Tilak Varma, 5. Axar Patel, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Jitesh Sharma (WK), 8. Harshit Rana, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Varun Chakaravarthy

South Africa (SA) Playing 11:

1. Reeza Hendricks, 2. Quinton de Kock (WK), 3. Aiden Markram (C), 4. Dewald Brevis, 5. Tristan Stubbs, 6. Donovan Ferreira, 7. George Linde, 8. Corbin Bosch, 9. Marco Jansen, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Lungi Ngidi

Who Will Win Today? (AI Match Prediction)

Considering current form, team balance, and home advantage, India is favored to win this opening T20I. The team’s strong batting lineup, led by Suryakumar Yadav, combined with the wicket-taking abilities of Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy, gives them a slight edge. However, South Africa’s pace attack and explosive middle-order can make this a highly competitive contest.

AI Prediction: India likely to win, but expect a thrilling, closely-fought match under lights at Cuttack.

Also Read: India’s Strongest Playing 11 for T20Is vs South Africa 2025 (AI Analysis)