India (IND) and South Africa (RSA) return to the T20’s matches with emotions still lingering from that unforgettable 2024 T20 World Cup final, where India edged the Proteas by seven runs and David Miller’s heart-breaking moment became the lasting image of the tournament. A year later, the dynamics feel different. India have reformed strongly, bouncing back from their Test defeat and dominating the ODI series 2–0, proving their resilience once again. Now, with the five-match T20I series starting on December 9, 2025, at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, both teams are frantic to set the tone early. As fans gear up for another high-stakes clash, all eyes turn toward the big question everyone is searching for IND vs RSA 1st T20 Match Prediction and who will win today’s T20 Match?
Today’s Match Winning Percentage
Team Performance
India: The IND come into the T20 series with good push after winning the ODI series 2–0. The batting group looks more confident and the bowlers have been fantastic in the last ODI matches. After a tough Test series, India have settled well and their recent form gives them a strong platform heading into the first T20.
South Africa: The RSA are still searching for consistency. Their form has dipped since the 2024 T20 World Cup and the heavy loss in the final ODI at Visakhapatnam added to their concerns. With a few key players returning, the team will look to reset and find their rhythm again as they start this T20 series.
Weather forecast
- Temperature: 23.1°C
- Humidity: 50%
- Rain: 25% chance of rain
- Wind direction: North
- Wind speed: 11.50km/h
Pitch Report: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Cuttack is set for something new as the Barabati Stadium rolls out a red-soil pitch for the first time. This kind of surface usually brings extra bounce and good pace, which means batters could enjoy a high-scoring night. India won’t mind these conditions as they continue shaping their squad for next year’s World Cup, but the fresh wicket also brings a bit of uncertainty. With South Africa having beaten India twice before at this venue, the hosts will be keen to finally turn things around in this opening T20. Evening games in Cuttack often bring light dew in the second innings. Dew can make the ball slippery and harder for bowlers to control, giving the chasing team an advantage.
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India vs South Africa – Probable Playing XI
| India Playing XI | South Africa Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav (C) | Aiden Markram (C) |
| Shubman Gill (VC) | Quinton de Kock (WK) |
| Abhishek Sharma | Tony de Zorzi |
| Tilak Varma | Dewald Brevis |
| Hardik Pandya | Tristan Stubbs |
| Shivam Dube | David Miller |
| Axar Patel | Marco Jansen |
| Jitesh Sharma (WK) | Corbin Bosch |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Keshav Maharaj |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Lungi Ngidi |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Anrich Nortje |
Today match Prediction: Team chasing are favourites to win today’s first T20 match.
Expert cricket betting tips for IND vs RSA 1st T20 Match
- Who will win the toss Today: IND win the toss and elect to Bowl First
- Top Batter Performance: Shubman Gill
- Top Bowler Performance: Jasprit Bumrah
- Cricket betting tips: India are favourite for today match win
Disclaimer: This prediction is given by author expert Insights, analysis, and personal insights. Please use it as a reference and make your own informed decisions before placing any bets or forming conclusions.