IND Vs SA 3rd T20I Match: The South Africa Vs India rivalry takes centre stage once again as the third T20I of the five-match series is being played today at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. With the series currently tied 1-1, both teams are eager to gain the upper hand and move ahead 2-1 in what has already been a fiercely competitive contest.
India registered a dominant 101-run victory in the series opener at Cuttack on December 9, but South Africa bounced back strongly just two days later with a 51-run win at Mullanpur, ensuring the series remains wide open heading into this crucial encounter.
IND Vs SA: Toss Update And Match Situation
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss for the second consecutive match and opted to field first, inviting South Africa to bat under the chilly Dharamsala conditions. The decision aligns with the venue’s recent trend, where chasing sides have enjoyed greater success in night matches.
With the series delicately poised, today’s result could significantly influence momentum as the contest progresses.
IND Vs SA: Forced Changes In Indian Playing XI
India have made two forced changes to their playing XI for the third T20I.
- Axar Patel has been ruled out due to illness.
- Jasprit Bumrah misses the match owing to personal reasons.
They have been replaced by Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav, with the latter celebrating his 31st birthday on match day — a special occasion as he returns to the XI
IND Vs SA: Three Changes For The Proteas
South Africa have opted for three changes to their lineup as they look to strengthen their combination:
- Corbin Bosch, Tristan Stubbs, and Anrich Nortje come into the XI
- They replace George Linde, Reeza Hendricks, and David Miller
The changes reflect South Africa’s intent to maintain balance and intensity in a high-stakes encounter.
In The Spotlight: Donovan Ferreira Vs Jasprit Bumrah
One of the most talked-about storylines in the South Africa Vs India series has been the battle between Donovan Ferreira and Jasprit Bumrah.
Before the New Chandigarh match, Bumrah had never been hit for four sixes in a single T20I innings. That record changed largely due to Ferreira, who smashed 17 runs off just 6 balls, registering the best strike rate by any batter against Bumrah in a T20I where they faced six balls or more.
Ferreira struck Bumrah for two sixes, the joint-highest any batter has managed against him in a single T20I. That decisive assault proved to be a turning point, making the chase too steep for India.
Although Bumrah is not playing today, the impact of that duel continues to shape the narrative of the series.
Pitch And Conditions: Dharamsala Favors The Chase
Conditions at Dharamsala are expected to play a crucial role in the outcome of the match. The venue has proven to be difficult for teams defending totals.
Out of the five night T20Is with results at this ground, four have been won by the chasing side, highlighting the advantage for teams batting second.
Additionally, cold temperatures, possibly dipping into single digits, could provide assistance to fast bowlers, especially under lights.
IND Vs SA: Playing XIs For 3rd T20I
India Playing XI
- Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
South Africa Playing XI
Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram (C), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman
IND Vs SA 3rd T20I: What’s At Stake
With the series locked at 1-1, the South Africa Vs India third T20I carries massive significance. A win today would allow either side to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, making the remaining games even more intense.
As the action unfolds in Dharamsala, fans can expect a gripping contest shaped by conditions, recent form, and crucial individual performances.
| India Vs South Africa 3rd T20I Match HPCA Stadium (Dharamsala) Sunday, 14 December 2025 |
| India Vs South Africa 3rd T20I Match Updates : 18/3, 5.1 Over Harshit Rana delivers to Aiden Markram: FOUR! Beautiful capture! This is on the back of a length, directed in towards the off stump. Aiden Markram rises high and takes control of it. Lifts the elbow high and drives the ball through the gap between cover and mid off for a four |
| India Vs South Africa 3rd T20I Match Updates : 44/5, 10.1 Overs Shivam Dube out to Corbin Bosch! SPICED HIM UP! Shivam Dube makes a quick impression |
| India Vs South Africa 3rd T20I Match Updates : SA – 77/7, 15.1 Over Varun Chakaravarthy dismisses Marco Jansen: OUT! BUMPED HIM DOWN! Varun Chakaravarthy takes wickets in consecutive overs. Googly bowled by Varun, on a troublesome length, just outside the off stump. Marco Jansen is sluggish in his footwork and merely extends his bat to guard the line. He fails to read the googly and ends up defending away from the line. The ball slips through the inside edge to knock over the off stump. South Africa currently stands at 77/7 |