India vs South Africa 1st T20, Dream11 Prediction: Who Will Win Today Match?

By Akshay - Dec 09, 2025 04:03 PM
Last updated on Dec 09, 2025 04:40 PM

SA vs IND 1st T20I Match Prediction: After a closely contested ODI series between India and South Africa, it's time for fast-track action. The two teams are set to face each other in five T20Is. All the key players from both teams are back, making this an all-star contest.

Hardik Pandya has returned to the team after recovering from an injury sustained during the Asia Cup. Shubman Gill has also returned as vice-captain after missing the first Test against South Africa due to cramps. This will be India's first home T20I series since January.

South Africa has had a difficult year in T20Is. They have won only five of their 14 matches in 2024 and have not won a single series. They lost the tri-series final to New Zealand earlier this year, followed by series defeats to Australia and Pakistan.

Their two-match series against England was tied 1-1. In October, South Africa's second-string team, led by Donovan Ferreira, also lost a T20I to Namibia by four wickets on the last ball.

India and South Africa have played 31 T20Is, with India winning 18 and South Africa winning 12. In the four T20I series played in India, both teams have won one each, while two series have been drawn.

India vs South Africa (IND vs SA) Match Details:

• League: South Africa tour of India, 2025
• Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
• Date: December 9, 2025
• Start Time: 07:00 PM (IST)
• Teams: India vs South Africa

Also Read: How to Watch IND vs SA 1st T20 Match, Live Streaming and Telecast, December 9, 2025

IND vs SA 1st T20 Pitch Report

The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack has been given a red soil pitch for the first T20I, which has the same pace, consistent bounce and high-scoring potential as the Wankhede Stadium.

• The fast outfield and decent bounce make it good for batting early on, aiding attack and strokeplay in the powerplay.
• The red soil initially helps pacers with carry and seam movement, while spinners can gain grip later before dew sets in.
• The average first innings score in the last three T20Is has been around 140, but totals of 180+ are expected due to the new surface.

Heavy evening dew will hamper bowlers in the second innings, which could lead to teams opting to bowl first, giving chasers an advantage. Night breezes from the Mahanadi River could offer some assistance to the pacers. India have lost both previous T20Is against SA here, making the venue difficult to predict.

Who will win todays 1st T20 match between India vs South Africa?

Aaj ka SA vs IND match kon jeetega: India are favourites to win the first T20I against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, thanks to their top T20I ranking, recent ODI series win, and superior batting depth led by Suryakumar Yadav.

India have a strong opener in Abhishek Sharma, returning stars Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, and a balanced attack in Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy; their recent 2-1 T20I win over Australia has provided momentum.

Fifth-ranked South Africa relies on Aiden Markram, Dewald Brewis, and Marco Jansen, but has struggled since the ODI defeat and recent T20I series loss to Pakistan. Their previous defeat at this venue increases the risk of an upset, although power hitters could take advantage of the early bounce. Projections consistently give India a win by 7-10 runs or 5 wickets.

IND vs SA 1st T20 Match Playing 11

India (IND) Possible Playing 11: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Suryakumar Yadav(C), 4. Tilak Varma, 5. Sanju Samson(WK), 6. Shivam Dube, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Axar Patel, 9. Harshit Rana, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa (SA) Possible Playing 11: 1. Quinton de Kock(WK), 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Aiden Markram(C), 4. Tristan Stubbs(WK), 5. Dewald Brevis, 6. David Miller, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Corbin Bosch, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Ottneil Baartman, 11. Anrich Nortje

Also Read: IND vs SA 1st T20I, Pitch Report: How will the pitch be at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

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