India vs South Africa 3rd T20I 2025 Preview: Squads, Dharamsala Pitch Report & Prediction
India vs South Africa 3rd T20I 2025 head to the hills for a potentially series-defining 3rd T20I at scenic Dharamsala, with pace, bounce, and thin air promising a high-tempo contest. This venue often rewards fearless batting and fast bowling, so expect a quick start and a high-impact finish. The series is well-balanced at 1-1 in the 5 matches. South Africa is showing real resilience against the mighty Indian side.
A few Indian top-order batters need to step up in the upcoming matches.
Match Details
- Match: India vs South Africa 3rd T20I
- Series: South Africa tour of India, 2025
- Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
- Date & Time: Tomorrow, 7:00 PM IST
- Live Broadcast: JioHotstar & Star Sports
- Live Score: Cricbuzz
India vs South Africa 3rd T20I: Squads
India Squad
Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.
South Africa Squad
Aiden Markram (C), Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Ottneil Bartman, Kwena Maphaka.
India vs South Africa 3rd T20I Dharamsala Pitch Report
HPCA Stadium typically offers extra carry and bounce compared to many Indian venues, which brings fast bowlers into the game early and encourages boundary-hitting once batters are set. Because of the altitude and quick outfield, well-timed shots travel, so totals can rise quickly—especially if there’s limited swing under lights.
What usually works here:
- Pace bowling with hard lengths and movement in the first 3–4 overs.
- Batting depth and power hitters for the last 8–10 overs.
- Chasing can be attractive if dew arrives, but batting first is also viable if teams post a strong powerplay and protect wickets.
Probable Playing XIs
India (Probable XI)
- Shubman Gill
- Abhishek Sharma
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Tilak Varma
- Sanju Samson (WK) / Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel / Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana / Varun Chakravarthy
South Africa (Probable XI)
- Reeza Hendricks
- Aiden Markram (C)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Dewald Brevis
- David Miller
- Donovan Ferreira (WK option)
- Marco Jansen
- George Linde / Keshav Maharaj
- Anrich Nortje
- Lungi Ngidi
- Corbin Bosch / Ottneil Bartman
Key Battles to Watch in India vs South Africa 3rd T20I
- Abhishek Sharma vs Nortje/Ngidi (Powerplay): A high-risk, high-reward matchup—if Abhishek gets through the first 10 balls, India can fly.
- Suryakumar Yadav vs Keshav Maharaj/George Linde (Middle overs): South Africa will try to slow down SKY with spin and tight lines.
- Bumrah vs Miller/Stubbs (Death overs): A classic closer vs finishers battle; execution under pressure decides the final 20 balls.
- Hardik Pandya vs Marco Jansen: Pace-on at good length can cramp Hardik, but if he finds his arc, Dharamsala boundaries disappear quickly.
Match Prediction
India vs South Africa 3rd T20I. Conditions in Dharamsala should keep South Africa’s pace battery heavily involved, but India’s batting depth and death-bowling edge (Bumrah + Arshdeep) make them slightly better suited for close finishes. If India win the toss, bowling first could maximize early seam help and keep the chase manageable
Related post: India vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025: Match Preview
