India (IND) and South Africa (SA) will face each other in the second T20I of the five-match series at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on Thursday, December 11. After a dominant win in the first match, India will look to increase their lead in the series.

South Africa had a miserable outing in the opening T20I in Cuttack, getting bowled out for their lowest-ever total of 74 to give India a massive 101-run victory.  Hardik Pandya made a strong comeback with an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls, helping India reach 175/6. India had an early setback with the dismissals of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, but Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Axar Patel steadied the innings before Pandya’s late fireworks.

South Africa's chase never looked comfortable. Arshdeep Singh struck early by removing Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs. Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Shivam Dube also picked up wickets. Apart from Dewald Brevis’ 22, no batter stayed long, and the visitors were bowled out in just 12.3 overs.

IND vs SA: Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

• Matches Played: 32
  
• Won by India: 19
  
• Won by South Africa: 12
  
• No Result / Tied: 1

IND vs SA: Pitch Report

The pitch in Mullanpur offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batters can easily score early on due to the fast outfield. As the innings progresses, spinners get more help, especially in the second half. Overall, this venue slightly favors batters, but bowlers who use variations can also succeed.

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IND vs SA: Predicted Playing XIs

India (IND):

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

South Africa (SA):

Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje

India (IND) will face South Africa (SA) in the 1st T20I of the series at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9. This match is a repeat of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, adding extra excitement to the contest. The all-format tour is in its final stage—South Africa won the Test series, while India claimed the ODI series.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are in excellent form. They recently won the Asia Cup 2025 and also defeated Australia in their own backyard. With the 2026 T20 World Cup not far away, India will aim at carrying on their momentum and make a winning start to the T20I series in Cuttack.

South Africa, however, have been struggling in T20Is lately. They lost their recent series 1–2 against Pakistan and even suffered a shock defeat to Namibia in a one-off match. They also drew a series against England. The Proteas will be desperate to find some rhythm and bounce back in this important series.

IND vs SA: Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

• Matches Played: 31
  
• India Won: 18
  
• South Africa Won: 12
  
• Tied / No Result: 1

IND vs SA: Pitch Report

The Barabati Stadium has hosted three T20Is so far, and South Africa have won both matches they played here. Teams chasing have won two out of three games here, and bowling first could be a smart choice. The pitch does offer help to both pacers and spinners, but bowlers with good variations usually do the work. A score around 160 can be competitive on this ground because dew may not allow the ball to grip much.

See Also: IND vs SA 1st T20I: Suryakumar Yadav confirms Gill and Abhishek as openers, Samson’s role uncertain

IND vs SA: Predicted Playing XIs

India (IND):

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa (SA):

Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

After clinching the ODI series against South Africa, India turns their attention to the T20Is as both teams gear up for some vital match practice ahead of the T20 World Cup. The upcoming series thereby provides both sides with a great opportunity to try out combinations and settle squads ahead of the mega event. India will look to fine-tune their lineup and test various batting orders in the process.

The opening position has been a major talking point for India, with Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson fighting for that slot. Samson was India’s first-choice opener before the Asia Cup 2025, but Gill’s appointment as vice-captain pushed Samson down the order, with the team preferring Gill and Abhishek at the top. Ahead of the first T20I in Cuttack, captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed India’s decision and offered clarity on the roles.

In the pre-match press conference, Suryakumar explained that while Samson has opened successfully in the past, flexibility is essential in T20 cricket. He said the team will continue with Gill at the top while praising Samson’s readiness to bat at any position. Surya emphasized the importance of adaptability, saying that except for the openers, all other batters must be willing to move around the order.

Suryakumar Yadav Praises Samson’s Flexibility in the Middle Order

Suryakumar Yadav said, “In terms of Sanju, yes, when he came into the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, I feel everyone has to be very flexible. He did really well before he played, when he opened the innings. But Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series. So, he deserved to take that spot. We gave Sanju opportunities. He was ready to bat at any number, which actually is good to see, any player being very flexible, batting from 3 to 6 anywhere. So, that is one thing that I have told all the batters.”

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He further added, “Other than openers, everyone has to be very flexible. So, both (Sanju and Jitesh) are in the scheme of things. It is always good to have flexible players like both of them being part of that squad. One can open, and one can bat lower down the order. Both can do all the loads. So, it is an asset to our team and also a good headache to have.” Despite Samson’s strong record as an opener, including 522 runs at a strike rate of 178 with three centuries, Gill’s return has pushed him down the order, and eventually, Jitesh Sharma replaced him as the wicketkeeper in the XI.

The BCCI on Wednesday announced India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match home series against South Africa, confirming a strong mix of established match-winners and promising young talents. Suryakumar Yadav continues as captain, underlining the selectors’ trust in his fearless batting approach and leadership suited to India’s evolving T20 philosophy.

Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain, subject to a final fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Gill, recovering from a neck spasm he suffered during the Test series against South Africa, has resumed light training, and the selectors are hopeful of his availability at least for the latter part of the series.

India pick explosive batting unit and versatile all-rounders for SA T20Is

The squad features an explosive batting core, with Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya offering both power and versatility. Hardik makes a notable return after recovering from a quadriceps injury that kept him out for two months. His commanding 77* off 42 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this week further strengthened his case.

India’s all-round options remain rich, with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Pandya and Dube giving the team tactical flexibility across conditions. In the wicketkeeping department, the selectors have backed Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson, two contrasting yet impactful T20 finishers.

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The bowling attack has a balanced look. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace unit, supported by left-armer Arshdeep Singh and rising quick Harshit Rana. The spin attack features Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, offering a blend of control, mystery and middle-overs wicket-taking ability.

India vs South Africa T20I Series Schedule

India enter the series as the No. 1 ranked T20I side, with South Africa placed fifth, setting the stage for a high-quality contest beginning December 9.

India T20I Squad

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC)*, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar
*Subject to fitness clearance from BCCI CoE.

Cricket Ireland and the Italian Cricket Federation have jointly announced a three-match bilateral T20 International series set to take place in Dubai in late January 2026. The series will act as crucial preparation for both teams as they gear up for their respective campaigns in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland and Italy have faced each other only once before in a T20I – during the 2023 European Qualifier in Edinburgh, where Ireland secured a tight seven-run win. The sides also met in a non-T20I Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi back in 2012, which Ireland won by two wickets.

The upcoming fixtures will be historic for Italy, marking their first-ever three-match bilateral series against an ICC Full Member. For Ireland, the games come immediately after the announcement of two additional T20Is against the UAE, forming a full preparatory block in Dubai before the World Cup.

Ireland vs Italy T20I Series Schedule

Following the series, Ireland will also meet the UAE on 29 and 31 January before travelling to Sri Lanka for the World Cup, where they find themselves in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Oman. Italy, meanwhile, head to India for the tournament and will compete in Group C against England, the West Indies, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Cricket Ireland’s Director of Cricket, Richard Holdsworth, said the series offers ideal match practice in hot conditions after coming out of the Irish winter. Italian federation president Maria Lorena Haz Paz termed the series “historic” and believes it will help raise the profile of Italian cricket as they prepare for their maiden T20 World Cup appearance.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face off in a three-match T20I series in January 2026, with both boards finalising the schedule as part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The series is expected to run from January 8 to 12, with all matches scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, where Pakistan are set to play all their fixtures on Sri Lankan soil under the Hybrid Model. The arrangement ensures Pakistan and India avoid touring each other during ICC events, while still allowing them to compete at neutral venues.

Sources close to the development have confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) were in constant talks over the short series, which has now been tentatively finalised. The matches will provide Pakistan crucial match time in subcontinental conditions just weeks before the global tournament. With pitches in Dambulla expected to mirror those used during the World Cup, the series will help Pakistan fine-tune combinations and adapt to local surfaces.

Renovation Work Forces Shift to Dambulla as Sri Lanka Fight for Tri-Series Final Spot

The decision to host all three matches in Dambulla comes amid ongoing renovation work at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. These upgrades, being carried out ahead of the World Cup, have also forced SLC to postpone the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), originally planned for the November–December window.

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Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are currently in Pakistan as part of a competitive T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe. Pakistan have already sealed a place in the final, while Sri Lanka must win their final group match, and by a significant margin, to stay in contention. Zimbabwe hold second place with one win from four matches, while Sri Lanka remain third with a net run rate of –1.324.

Tentative Schedule – Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

The short series promises high-intensity preparation for both sides as they gear up for the biggest T20 event of the year.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje is all set to don South Africa colours again as he has been named in the T20I squad for the upcoming tour of India. The Proteas speedster last featured for his nation in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, before a recurring stress-fracture injury forced him to the sidelines. His recent performances for Dolphins in the ongoing T20 Challenge – where he has already climbed into the top 10 wicket-takers – have convinced selectors that he is ready for international action again.

The tour begins after the conclusion of the current Test series in India, where South Africa have already taken a 1-0 lead following their victory in Kolkata. The ODI series will act as a bridge between Tests and T20Is, providing crucial game time to several players who are in early contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Proteas finalize white-ball blueprint ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Temba Bavuma returns to captain the ODI side after missing the Pakistan series due to injury. The selectors have opted for continuity, retaining debutant Rubin Hermann while leaving out Tristan Stubbs from the 50-over squad. Lhuan-dre Pretorius also misses out, with the top-order already stacked with options.

In the T20I squad, Aiden Markram takes over captaincy and will have a strong group around him as South Africa look to identify the right combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Quinton de Kock is back and eager to regain T20I form despite a mixed run since his comeback. Reeza Hendricks also returns, which means Ryan Rickelton will have to wait to know his World Cup fate.

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Meanwhile, David Miller’s inclusion strengthens the middle-order, and Dewald Brevis is set for more opportunities after recovering from a minor muscle injury.

South Africa believe this tour will be a significant step in solidifying their white-ball roadmap under head coach Shukri Conrad, who emphasized the importance of building depth and role clarity across both formats.

South Africa squads for India tour

ODIs: Temba Bavuma (C), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen.

T20Is: Aiden Markram (C), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs.

In a match filled with drama, twists, and late nerves, Alick Athanaze produced one of the standout moments of brilliance as the West Indies faced New Zealand in the third T20I in Nelson. Although the visitors eventually fell short by nine runs, Athanaze’s direct hit to run out Devon Conway was a moment that briefly turned the tide in their favour.

The dismissal came at a crucial stage of the innings. Conway, who had looked in sublime touch with 56 off 34 balls, was anchoring New Zealand’s innings alongside Daryl Mitchell. The hosts had just crossed 90 and were eyeing a total well above 180 when Mitchell pushed a delivery from Shamar Springer towards deep midwicket and called for two. Conway, backing his partner’s call, turned for the second but underestimated Athanaze’s speed and accuracy in the field.

Alick Athanaze’s brilliant direct hit to run out Devon Conway steals the spotlight in Nelson

Sprinting swiftly to his left, Athanaze picked up the ball cleanly and unleashed a flat, bullet throw to the non-striker’s end. The direct hit caught Conway inches short of his ground, a stunning piece of fielding that sent the West Indies players into celebration. The run-out not only removed New Zealand’s in-form batter but also halted their momentum just when they were threatening to explode in the final overs.

Watch the video:

Direct hit and gone! ☄️

Alick Athanaze hits bullseye from deep to send Conway packing 🤯 #SonySportsNetwork #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/x8iluCv3CW

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 9, 2025

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Athanaze, who had earlier contributed a solid 31 with the bat, showcased his all-round value in the side. The direct hit exemplified his sharp awareness and athleticism, two traits that have made him one of the most promising young cricketers in the Caribbean setup.

Although New Zealand eventually posted 177 for 9, Athanaze’s run-out proved a turning point, sparking a middle-order collapse that saw the hosts lose six wickets for just 35 runs. It was only due to Conway and Mitchell’s earlier efforts that New Zealand had a defendable total on the board.

In the end, despite a late West Indies resurgence led by Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer, the visitors fell agonizingly short. Yet, Athanaze’s moment of brilliance in the field stood out, a reminder that one piece of fielding can change the flow of a T20 game in an instant.

After the ODI series, India is taking on Australia for a 5-match T20I series. After the 1st T20I match was washed out, India took on Australia in the 2nd T20I at MCG. After a great batting display by Indian batters in 1st T20I, the picture in 2nd T20I was totally different.

In Canberra, Indian Batters seemed in great form, and after washing off, it was expected they would carry this form in the 2nd match. But nothing like this happened at MCG. Josh Hazlewood made a difference with his bowling. Hazlewood always bowled with precision, which created trouble whenever any batter faced him. 

While batting first, Indian batters crumble in Hazlewood's storm. He was also seen in good form in 1st T20I as well. He took early and crucial wickets of Shubman Gill, Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and other power hitters. His brilliant bowling put the host nation in the driving seat.

See Also: [WATCH] Abhishek Sharma charges Xavier Bartlett for 6 during AUS vs IND 2nd T20I at MCG

Josh Hazlewood Strikes; India’s Batting Collapses:

Since the ODI series, Josh Hazlewood has been exceptional in every match. In every match, he created a big difference between the two teams with his brilliant bowling spell. Though the first T20I was washed out, Hazlewood was the only wicket-taker. In the next one, he rattled India’s heavy power-packed top order with his brilliance.

Hazlewood dismantled India’s top order, starting with Shubman Gill’s dismissal in the third over. His devastating third over of the spell — the fifth of the innings — saw him remove Tilak Varma and captain Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, conceding just a single run. Both batters, known for their explosive stroke play, were undone by his precision and pace. In his spell, a catch was dropped as well.

In the 2nd T20I match, Josh bowled an exceptional spell. In his spell, he only conceded 13 runs, at an economy of 3.20, and picked up 3 crucial pillars of India’s top order; Shubman Gill, Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. His experience helped Australia take the lead in the series and win the match by 4 wickets.

West Indies claimed a 16-run win against the hosts Bangladesh in the first game of the three-match T20I series, as the Caribbean side has taken a 1-0 lead in the series. 

After West Indies chose to bat first at Chattogram, they scored 165/3 in 20 overs. In reply, Bangladesh were all out for 149 runs in 19.4 overs, as the visitors claimed a 16-run victory.

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Shai Hope and Rovman Powell guided West Indies to 165

West Indies openers Alick Athanaze and Brandon King set a 59-run partnership. While Alick scored 34 off 27 balls, King scored 33 off 36 balls. Captain Shai Hope and Rovman Powell had an 83-run partnership for the unbroken fourth wicket, as the visitors managed the 160+ total. While the skipper Hope scored 46 off 28 balls with one four and four sixes, Powell scored 44 off 28 balls with one four and four sixes. In the final over of the innings, Powell smashed three consecutive sixes to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, as Powell hit four straight sixes at that time, while he hit one more six on the final ball of the previous over.

Among Bangladesh bowlers, Taskin Ahmed (2/36) got two wickets, and Rishad Hossain took one wicket (1/40).

Bangladesh struggling at 77/6 before their inspiring final battle

In reply, Bangladesh were losing wickets at regular intervals, as they were once struggling at 77/6. Towhid Hridoy (28), Tanzim Hasan Sakib (33), and Nasum Ahmed (20) managed to reach the 20-run mark in that innings, as the hosts made an impressive fightback, but it was just too late for them. For the final wicket, Taskin Ahmed (10) and Mustafizur Rahman (11*) added 20 runs before Taskin lost his wicket through a hit wicket while hitting a sixer. That shocking dismissal denied an over boundary for the hosts.

Among the Caribbean bowlers, Jason Holder (3/31) and Jayden Seales (3/32) got three wickets each, while Akeal Hosein got two wickets (2/22). Rovman Powell won the Player of the Match award for his game-changing knock in the final overs.