Ind vs SA, 3rd T20I: Match Preview and Analysis

The India vs South Africa T20I series 2025 has reached its thrilling contest, with the series tied at 1-1 after two exciting encounters. A major match will be the T20I in Dharamsala on December 14, 2025. Having won the first match convincingly and bounced back in the second, both teams are eager to take the lead in the series.

Summary of the First and Second T20I Matches

The South Africa tour of India 2025 began with India defeating South Africa by 101 runs. The hero of the match was Hardik Pandya, who made 59 not out in 28 balls, which helped India get 175/6.

South Africa was bowled out for 74 in 12.3 overs, where Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy, bowled with great intent. 

South Africa also came back well in the second T20I as it emerged as a winner by 51 runs. Quinton de Kock scored 90 in 46 balls, propelling South Africa to 213/4, but India only scored 162 in 19.1 overs, and the South African bowler, Ottneil Baartman, took 4 wickets for 24 runs.

Head to Head

Last 5 Matches:

• South Africa won by 51 runs — December 11, 2025
   
• India won by 101 runs — December 09, 2025
   
• India won by 135 runs — November 15, 2024
   
• India won by 11 runs — November 13, 2024
   
• South Africa won by 3 wickets — November 10, 2024

Recent Performance

India's Last Five Matches:

• L — December 11, 2025, 2nd T20I, India vs South Africa: South Africa won by 51 runs
   
• W — December 09, 2025, 1st T20I, India vs South Africa: India won by 101 runs
   
• NR — November 08, 2025, 5th T20I, India vs Australia: No result
   
• W — November 06, 2025, 4th T20I, India vs Australia: India won by 48 runs
   
• W — November 02, 2025, 3rd T20I, India vs Australia: India won by 5 wickets (with 9 balls remaining)

South Africa's Last Five Matches:

• W — December 11, 2025, 2nd T20I, South Africa vs India: South Africa won by 51 runs
   
• L — December 09, 2025, 1st T20I, South Africa vs India: India won by 101 runs
   
• L — November 01, 2025, 3rd T20I, South Africa vs Pakistan: Pakistan won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)
   
• L — October 31, 2025, 2nd T20I, South Africa vs Pakistan: Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 41 balls remaining)
   
• W — October 28, 2025, 1st T20I, South Africa vs Pakistan: South Africa won by 55 runs

The Battle for Supremacy

With the series tied at 1-1, the 3rd T20I becomes a battle for supremacy in the IND vs SA T20I series 2025. 

Key players such as Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya need to step up with the bat, while the bowlers will have to execute their plans effectively to outsmart South Africa’s formidable batting line-up.

South Africa, on the other hand, will aim to build on their strong performance in the second T20I. Aiden Markram’s leadership will be tested as he looks to guide his team to a historic win in India. With players like Dewald Brevis, David Miller, and Donovan Ferreira, South Africa has the batting depth to challenge India’s bowlers.

Predictions for the 3rd T20I 

India’s familiarity with the Dharamsala conditions gives them a slight edge, but South Africa’s ability to bounce back from a loss makes them dangerous opponents. 

While predicting the winner of any T20I match is always challenging due to the fast-paced nature of the format, India’s strong batting line-up and home advantage make them slight favorites for this match. 

The pace attack of Bumrah and Arshdeep will look to exploit the conditions and restrict South Africa to a manageable total. Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya will need to ensure India gets off to a solid start and efficiently chases the target.

South Africa will be a formidable opponent, with de Kock in explosive form and Ngidi leading the bowling attack. If South Africa can put up a strong total and make the most of their pace attack, they could steal the win.

Squads for the 3rd T20I

India Squad:

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.

South Africa Squad:

Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, Lutho Sipamla.

Key Players to Watch

Player	Role	Recent Form	Key Stats
Suryakumar Yadav (IND)	Captain, Batter	Leading India with consistency	45.67 Avg in T20Is
Quinton de Kock (SA)	Wicketkeeper Batter	Explosive form, key contributor	90 runs, match-winning knock
Hardik Pandya (IND)	Allrounder	Crucial both with bat and ball	59* and 1/16 in the 1st T20I
Lungi Ngidi (SA)	Bowler	Fast bowler, can change the game	2 wickets for 26 runs
Tilak Varma (IND)	Batting Allrounder	Young sensation, form in T20Is	62 runs in 2nd T20I
Ottneil Baartman (SA)	Bowler	Key bowler in SA’s win	4 wickets for 24 runs

Who Will Take the Lead?

The South Africa tour of India 2025 is reaching its exciting climax with the 3rd T20I set to be a crucial encounter. 

The result of this game could hinge on key performances from Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Quinton de Kock, and Lungi Ngidi, making this one of the most anticipated T20Is of the year.

Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and fans can expect an exciting match.