After India won the ODI series 2-1, we have the five-match T20I series starting from the 9th of December 2026. What is your India vs South Africa 1st T20I Prediction? Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is the venue for the first T20I between India and South Africa. Eventually, the match will start at 7 PM local time with the toss happening at 6:30 PM local time. South Africa would like to bounce and keep your India vs South Africa 1st T20I Prediction ready.
The test series was won by South Africa as India replied by winning the ODI series. This is the last five matches of the tour, and the Proteas would want to take their revenge for India beating them in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies. Both teams would want to start the series on a positive note by winning the first T20I.
Also check out: India vs New Zealand ODI & T20 Schedule: Date, Time, Venues, and all you need to know
India vs South Africa 1st T20I Prediction
The last time India and South Africa played a T20I was the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, and we all know who won that match. It was the last ever match for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in that blue jersey for India in the T20I format. From then, there have been a lot of changes as India will have a full young team who will be led by Suryakumar Yadav.
At the same time, you don’t just rule out the South Africa team, and if you have already done it, look at their performance in the test series and the efforts they pulled off in the ODI format. Aiden Markram will be the leader of the South Africa team in the T20I format. Our India vs South Africa 1st T20I Prediction is India to win and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Expected XI: India vs South Africa 1st T20I
The good news for the Indian team is that Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury in the first test match and missed the second test and ODI series, is declared fit to play the first T20I and will most likely be in the starting XI for the Indian team. Suryakumar Yadav continues to be the captain, whereas another great news for the Indian team is that Hardik Pandya is back and will be in the playing eleven. Apart from this, we won’t see many changes in the starting eleven.
South Africa will see their star bowler, Anrich Nortje, back in their team for the first time since the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. David Miller will also play and is back. Apart from this, we see the same players playing who played the ODI series, and there can be a surprise, as there are chances that the young bowler Kwena Maphaka can make his debut. It is not confirmed yet, but there are chances.
India expected XI:
- Batsmen: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), and Tilak Varma
- Wicketkeeper: Jitesh Sharma
- All-rounders: Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel
- Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa expected XI:
- Batsmen: Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, and David Miller
- Wicketkeeper: Quinton de Kock
- All-rounders: Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch
- Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi
India vs South Africa 1st T20I: Pitch Report
The South Africa team has already played a T20I at this venue on two occasions, and they have won both. Basically, the wicket at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack has seen India chasing as the winner. India would hope for their form of winning the toss to continue, as the toss will play an important role. The pacers and the spin bowlers enjoy equal assistance, as variations can be a plus point for the bowlers. A score of around 155 to 165 can be said as a good target on this wicket.