IND vs SA 1st T20 Match Prediction, Preview, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

IND vs SA 1st T20 Match Preview – The Barabati Stadium is set to host a high-voltage clash as the reigning T20 World Champions, India, take on South Africa in the first match of a five-game T20I series today, Tuesday, December 9, 2025. This series marks the official commencement of India’s structured build-up towards the T20 World Cup in 2026.

India enters the series fresh off a 2-1 victory in the preceding ODI series. The hosts will be significantly boosted by the return of key players Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, both recovering from injuries. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India aims to maintain their formidable T20 form, having not lost a T20I series since their World Cup triumph.

South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, will be looking to immediately bounce back after the ODI series defeat. Their team relies on the explosive power of David Miller and Quinton de Kock, with pace being led by the returning Anrich Nortje.

IND vs SA 1st T20 Match Details

IND vs SA 1st T20 Head-to-Head

India holds a comfortable lead in the overall T20I rivalry, though South Africa has historically performed well against India at the Barabati Stadium.

IND vs SA 1st T20 Pitch Report: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

The pitch at the Barabati Stadium features a significant change for this match, with the BCCI curator selecting the red-soil pitch over the traditional black-soil surface.

• Characteristics: The red-soil surface is expected to offer better pace, carry, and consistency. It is ideal for an engaging, high-scoring contest and allows batsmen to play freely due to the better pace and bounce.

• Historical Context: While the venue is not typically a very high-scoring one, fast bowlers tend to dominate over spinners.

• Toss Strategy: Due to the likelihood of dew forming in the evening, the ball may become wet, making the chase easier. The captain winning the toss is expected to prefer bowling first to chase the target.

IND vs SA 1st T20 Weather Report

The weather in Cuttack for the match on Tuesday evening is expected to be clear and conducive for a full match.

• Conditions: The night is forecasted to be partly cloudy.

• Temperature: The high is expected to be 27°C and the low 15°C.

• Rain Threat: The chance of precipitation during the night is low, at only 10%.

IND vs SA 1st T20 Probable Playing11

India (IND): India welcomes back key players who will solidify the playing XI as they begin their T20 World Cup preparations.

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vc), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube/Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.

South Africa (SA): South Africa has a strong T20 lineup, with their top order looking to fire despite poor recent form in that position for the team.

Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch.

IND vs SA 1st T20 Match Prediction

India enters the series in formidable T20I form, boasting 26 wins and only four losses since their T20 World Cup triumph. Key players like Abhishek Sharma (India’s best T20I batter in 2025) and the returning Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill provide immense firepower.

However, South Africa possesses a dangerous batting lineup that thrives against India, including David Miller (524 runs vs IND) and Quinton de Kock (351 runs vs IND). Historically, the Proteas have enjoyed playing at the Barabati Stadium, having won both their T20I matches against India at this venue.

The pitch favors a high-scoring chase due to the expected dew. Given India’s current T20 dominance and the potent attack of Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy (the highest T20I wicket-taker in 2025), they are favorites to start the series with a win.

Prediction: India to win the 1st T20I.