India vs South Africa LIVE Score, 5th T20I: Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma power-pack fifties power IND to 231/5 | Cricket
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma delivered explosive fifties, steering India to a commanding 231/5. Pandya’s blistering knock combined with Varma’s elegant strokeplay ensured a dominant total, putting the Proteas under immense pressure. Pandya rocketed to a 16-ball fifty, thrilling the crowd and earning a standing ovation from former India star Gautam Gambhir for his explosive performance. Pandya’s towering six accidentally hits a cameraman, drawing gasps from the crowd, while Suryakumar Yadav continues his poor run, failing yet again with the bat. George Linde got the better of Sanju Samson, dismissing him for 37 after a fiery start that had put India in a strong position early on. Abhishek Sharma looked visibly frustrated after throwing away his wicket in the early overs, while Sanju Samson capitalized on the opportunity, smashing aggressive shots to dominate the powerplay and give India a flying start in Shubman Gill’s absence.…Read More
Shubman Gill misses out, Kuldeep Yadav dropped
South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bowl first, with India missing Shubman Gill while Kuldeep Yadav was left out of the XI. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson will return to the opening role.
All eyes turn to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as India and South Africa prepare for the decisive fifth and final T20I. India hold a 2–1 advantage in the five-match series after the fourth game in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to heavy fog, giving the Proteas a chance to level the contest and avoid a series defeat.
For India, the Ahmedabad clash carries added significance as it serves as the final opportunity to fine-tune combinations before the T20 World Cup squad is announced on Friday. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has been central to India’s campaign, producing commanding performances in the opening and third T20Is, but his failure in the second match—where India were outplayed by South Africa—has raised questions about consistency at the top.
The spotlight is also firmly on Shubman Gill, whose recent form has come under scrutiny amid growing competition for places. With Sanju Samson waiting in the wings and Yashasvi Jaiswal not part of the squad, Gill’s position is being closely monitored. The opener was set to miss the Lucknow T20I due to a foot injury sustained during training, and his availability for the series decider remains uncertain. How India manage these selection calls could shape not only the outcome in Ahmedabad, but also the makeup of their World Cup-bound squad.
Suryakumar Yadav’s form remains a talking point for India, especially since his output with the bat has dipped after taking over the captaincy. The runs have dried up at the top, and his trademark strike rate has taken a hit, even though his calm leadership has delivered results, including an Asia Cup title and a memorable series win in Australia. With the World Cup around the corner, the team will be keen to see him rediscover his scoring touch.
Team combination will also be under focus, with Harshit Rana’s place likely to come under threat as Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to the XI after being rested in the previous game. The bowling attack could look sharper with Bumrah back leading the pace unit.
In the spin department, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to play a key role. South Africa have shown vulnerability against quality spin in the series, and India may look to exploit that weakness on the Ahmedabad surface, which is expected to offer assistance as the game progresses.
South Africa may be tempted to reshuffle their batting for the series decider, with Aiden Markram a strong contender to return to the top of the order after Reeza Hendricks endured a quiet run through the tour. The Proteas will also be hoping for a timely return to form from Dewald Brevis, who has shown flashes of intent but hasn’t been able to convert his starts in any of the three matches so far. A big knock from the young batter could prove decisive.
The visitors have also lacked the kind of explosive contributions from Marco Jansen that added bite to their ODI campaign, leaving the middle overs short of momentum. On the bowling front, though, Lungi Ngidi has been reliable with the new ball, while Ottneil Baartman has impressed with his discipline and control, keeping South Africa competitive despite their batting inconsistencies.
India vs South Africa Updates, 5th T20I:
– Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma smash electrifying fifties as India post a commanding 231/5 against South Africa.
– Hardik Pandya smashed 2nd-fastest fifty by an Indian off 16 balls; India cruising along at 195/3 in 17 overs.
– Tilak Varma smashed his half-century off just 30 balls.
– Hardik Pandya’s massive six hit a cameraman after Suryakumar Yadav endured another disappointing outing with the bat.
– Abhishek Sharma rues a self-inflicted dismissal, scoring 34 runs in the series decider.
– Sanju Samson made a strong statement, lit up the powerplay as India reshuffled in Shubman Gill’s absence.
– Abhishek Sharma welcomed Marco Jansen in the match with a hat-trick of boundaries.
– South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman
– India Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
Follow all the updates here:
Dec 19, 2025 9:08:16 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Chase begins!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks are in the middle to start the chase for South Africa. Arshdeep Singh has the ball in hand.
Dec 19, 2025 8:55:18 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: India 231/5 in 20 overs
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Ottneil Baartman with the final over, and he got hit for a four on the first ball by Tilak Varma, while the right-arm pacer got the better of Hardik Pandya on the third ball. Shivam Dube came all guns blazing to hit the first ball for a maximum. While on the next ball, Tilak got run out. He also hit the last ball for a boundary to make it a big one with 17 runs off it. India 231/5 in 20 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:46:52 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Tight from Jansen!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: A decent penultimate over from Marco Jansen as only nine runs came off it. He manages to keep Hardik Pandya quiet. 99-run stand between Hardik and Tilak Varma in just seven overs here. IND 215/3 in 19 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:42:17 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Hardik hits four!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya finds another boundary as 10 runs came off Lungi Ngidi’s over. A quiet one considering what we witnessed in the last few overs. 200 up for India and with two overs to go, India will look to get close to 240 from here.
Dec 19, 2025 8:37:31 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Pandya smashes 16-ball fifty!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: New bat and same result as Hardik Pandya smashes Corbin Bosch for a maximum here. A low full toss and Hardik sends it into the stands. He follows it up a straight boundary. He smashes a six to complete his half-century in just 16 balls – second fastest by an Indian. Gautam Gambhir gives a standing ovation from the dugout with a smile on his face. IND 195/3 in 17 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:31:39 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: IND 178/3 in 16 overs
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I, IND vs SA: Marco Jansen returns to the attack and delivers a tight over this time. 8 runs came off the over, while Hardik asked for a new bat at the end of the over and we might witness some big shots in the next few balls. IND 178/3 in 16 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:27:39 PM IST
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Tilak smashes fifty!
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Tilak Varma smashes his half-century off just 30 balls. The left-handed batter reaches the mark with a boundary and follows it up with another one here. He is playing another fine knock for India here, giving the ideal support to Hardik Pandya. IND 170/3 in 15 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:21:17 PM IST
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya hammers Linde!
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma take George Linde for cleaners. Tilak smashed a six on the first ball while Hardik took it a notch higher by hitting him for a four first and then following it up with back-to-back sixes. A massive over for India as 150 up for the hosts here in some style. He finishes the over with a four too. 27 runs came off the over. IND 158/3 in 14 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:16:34 PM IST
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Hardik’s six hurt cameraman!
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya off the mark straightaway with a six on the first ball of the over. He charges down the ground and smashes it hard, while the ball hits the cameraman on his shoulder. Two more boundaries in the over to make a big statement. IND 131/3 in 13 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:13:05 PM IST
LIVE Score IND vs SA: SKY fails again!
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles persist as he falters again, managing just five runs. He was dismissed by Corbin Bosch after playing a loose shot and getting caught inside the circle, further adding to his poor form concerns. A poor shot to get out. IND 115/3 in 12.1 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:09:09 PM IST
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Suryakumar Yadav under pressure!
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Suryakumar Yadav has the task to continue the attack which Sanju Samson started. The Indian skipper is under pressure because is underwhelming form. However, the way Tilak Varma is batting from the other end, is giving some breathing space. Meanwhile, Linde bowled a tight over with six runs coming off it. IND 115/2 in 12 overs
Dec 19, 2025 8:04:54 PM IST
LIVE Score IND vs SA: Tilak Varma hits four!
IND vs SA Live Score: Tilak Varma is showcasing his class here with some classic shots as he just opens the face of the bat to play it at the backward point for a boundary. Meanwhile, Ottneil Baartman bounced back well in the over and ended up giving just 8 runs off the over. IND 109/2 in 11 overs
Dec 19, 2025 7:53:48 PM IST
IND vs SA Live Score: George Linde dismisses Samson!
IND vs SA Live Score: George Linde gets the better of Sanju Samson for 37! He was batting beautifully but a peach from Linde was too good for him. The opener tried to make room for himself to play a shot but missed it completly to get bowled. IND 97/2 in 9.1 overs
Dec 19, 2025 7:50:33 PM IST
IND Vs SA Live Score: Sanju Samson hurts umpire!
IND Vs SA Live Score: Sanju Samson’s powerful shot struck the umpire after Donovan Ferreira missed a catch at the non-striker’s end, hitting the umpire on the knee, leaving him down in pain. Samson has apologised to the umpire and checking on him constantly.
Dec 19, 2025 7:45:06 PM IST
IND Vs SA Live Score: Samson smashes SIX!
IND Vs SA Live Score: George Linde comes into the attack, and he was tight with his line and length until the last ball, where Sanju Samson smashed him for a six over deep mid-wicket. Samson is making sure the team management keeps a close eye on him with the way he has stamped his authority over the bowlers so far. IND 85/1 in 8 overs
Dec 19, 2025 7:39:55 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Score: Tilak in fine touch!
India vs South Africa Live Score: Tilak Varma has already hit a couple of boundaries since his arrival in the middle. The left-handed batter is in fine touch, and India wants to continue the left-right combination, which is why he is sending over Suryakumar Yadav at number 3. 9 runs came off Donovan Ferreira’s over. IND 76/1 in 7 overs
Dec 19, 2025 7:34:02 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Score: Abhishek Sharma departs for 34!
India vs South Africa Live Score: Corbin Bosch is into the attack and bowls a couple of dot balls, but a wide after that hurts his momentum. Abhishek Sharma takes advantage of it and smashes a six on the third ball. The left-handed batter was dismissed on the fourth ball of the over. It was a loose delivery and he gloves it behind the stumps. He departs for 34. IND 63/1 in 5.4 overs
Dec 19, 2025 7:27:17 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Score: 50-run stand!
India vs South Africa Live Score: Sanju Samson takes on Marco Jansen this time and smashes him over the cover for a boundary. He is making a strong statement as to why he should be a regular in the XI. Abhishek continues his onslaught against Jansen and hits him for a couple of fours. A 50-run stand between the two openers. IND 56/0 in 5 overs
Dec 19, 2025 7:22:43 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Score: Sanju Samson takes charge!
India vs South Africa Live Score: Sanju Samson is in no mood to back down today and slams Ottneil Baartman for a couple of boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving after a quiet last over. Three boundaries in the over with Samson setting the powerplay on fire. IND 41/0 in 4 overs
Dec 19, 2025 7:17:31 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Score: Quinton de Kock in pain!
India vs South Africa Live Score: Lungi Ngidi manages to deceive Abhishek Sharma with a couple of smart slower deliveries. Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock is agonising in pain here. The physio is out in the middle to check him, but he continues to keep wickets.
Dec 19, 2025 7:11:26 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Score: Abhishek, Samson hammer Jansen!
India vs South Africa Live Score: Marco Jansen, on the other hand, Abhishek Sharma welcomed him with a hat-trick of boundaries. The left-handed batter is on fire here. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson smashed a six on the last ball to make it a big over for India. 19 runs off it. IND 25/0 in 2 overs
Dec 19, 2025 7:05:44 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Score: Abhishek off the mark with four!
India vs South Africa Live Score: It seems like Quinton de Kock has injured himself on the first ball itself. He didn’t miss the grab and hit the fingertips. However, he continues his job, while Samson opens his account with a flashy shot over point for a single. On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma is off the mark with a boundary straight down the ground. 6 runs came off the over. IND 6/0 in 1 over
Dec 19, 2025 7:00:49 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Samson back as opener, action begins!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Sanju Samson is back as the opening partner of Abhishek Sharma as they are in the middle to open the innings. Lungi Ngidi has the ball in hand.
Dec 19, 2025 6:46:18 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Shubman injured!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: India suffered a late setback ahead of the series decider in Ahmedabad as vice-captain Shubman Gill was ruled out after picking up an injury during practice, dealing another blow to the team’s top-order options for the final T20I.
Update: Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow.
After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad.
Dec 19, 2025 6:39:49 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: South Africa Playing XI
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: South Africa Playing XI – Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman
Dec 19, 2025 6:37:22 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: India Playing XI
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: India Playing XI – Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
Dec 19, 2025 6:32:05 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: SA elect to bowl first!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: South Africa skipper Aiden Markram wins the toss and elects to bowl first against India in Ahmedabad.
Dec 19, 2025 6:17:03 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Shubman’s recent injury crisis!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Shubman Gill’s latest fitness scare has once again brought his recent injury history into focus. The Indian vice-captain had earlier missed a large part of the Test series against South Africa after suffering a neck injury in the opening Test in Kolkata. That setback also forced him to sit out the subsequent three-match ODI series, disrupting his rhythm and continuity at the international level.
Dec 19, 2025 6:03:17 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: SA Probable XI
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: SA Probable XI Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Dec 19, 2025 5:51:15 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I:India Probable XI
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: India Probable XI – Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakarvarthy
Dec 19, 2025 5:47:39 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Axar ruled out!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Axar Patel has been ruled out of the final two T20Is of the five-match series against South Africa after falling ill, the BCCI confirmed on Monday. The all-rounder will remain with the Indian squad in Lucknow while undergoing further medical evaluation. With Axar sidelined, the BCCI Men’s Selection Committee has named Shahbaz Ahmed as his replacement for the remaining fixtures in Lucknow and Ahmedabad, adding depth to India’s spin-bowling and all-round options heading into the series finale.
Dec 19, 2025 5:41:21 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Gill vs Samson!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: India’s team management faces a late call on Shubman Gill’s availability for the series decider in Ahmedabad after the vice-captain endured another lean run with the bat and is also recovering from a toe injury. Gill’s fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the match, with Sanju Samson waiting in the wings as a potential replacement at the top of the order if Gill is deemed unfit to take the field on Friday.
Dec 19, 2025 5:30:14 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: T20 WC squad announcement tomorrow!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: India are set to announce their 15-member squad for next year’s T20 World Cup on Saturday.The national selection committee is unlikely to spring major surprises, preferring continuity over last-minute upheaval. The current core is expected to be backed, with selectors mindful of recent results and balance. The BCCI, however, retains the flexibility to make changes to the squad until the start of the tournament on February 7, keeping the door open for adjustments if required.
Dec 19, 2025 5:13:56 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Markram expected to open!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: South Africa may consider reshuffling their top order for the series decider, with Aiden Markram a strong candidate to be pushed up the order in place of Reeza Hendricks. Hendricks has struggled to make an impact throughout the tour, failing to convert starts and looking out of sync against both pace and spin. Markram’s experience, composure and ability to control the innings at the top could provide the Proteas with greater stability and intent, especially on a batting-friendly surface where making full use of the powerplay will be crucial.
Dec 19, 2025 5:03:42 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Chakravarthy key for India!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: The flat surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to heavily favour batters, which could test India’s most effective bowler of the series, Varun Chakravarthy. With six wickets so far, the mystery spinner has been a key weapon, but the lack of assistance from the pitch may force him to rely more on variations and accuracy rather than turn or bounce.
Dec 19, 2025 4:58:10 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: All eyes on Shubman’s availability!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Shubman Gill travelled with the Indian squad to Ahmedabad on Thursday ahead of the fifth and final T20I against South Africa, despite lingering concerns over his fitness. The opener had picked up a toe injury during a net session before the fourth match in Lucknow and was widely expected to be sidelined. However, the rain- and fog-hit contest was eventually abandoned, giving Gill additional recovery time as his availability for the series decider remains under close watch.
Dec 19, 2025 4:48:18 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Jasprit Bumrah likely to replace Harshit Rana!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I: Jasprit Bumrah rejoined the squad ahead of the fourth T20I after missing the previous game for personal reasons. His return is expected to influence India’s team combination, with Harshit Rana likely to make way as Bumrah slots back in to spearhead the pace attack, adding experience and control to the bowling unit.
Dec 19, 2025 4:39:32 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: SKY’s form a big concern!
India vs South Africa Live Updates, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles have become increasingly glaring. Across 18 innings from 20 matches this year, he is yet to register a single fifty, managing just 213 runs at a disappointing average of 14.20. With each passing failure, the pressure continues to mount, turning his lean patch into a growing headache for the Indian camp.
Dec 19, 2025 4:15:50 PM IST
India vs South Africa Live Score, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Hello and welcome!
India vs South Africa Live Score, 5th T20I IND vs SA: Hello and welcome to our live blog of fifth and last T20I between India and South Africa from Ahmedabad.
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