The IND vs SA 3rd T20 match is most crucial for the five-match series decider. Both teams are in the same line; winning this match can give them an extra edge before the Lucknow match.
After leveling the series in Chandigarh, South Africa heads to Dharamsala with momentum. But under the mountain chill and Sunday night lights, it’s all to play for.
Shubman Gill is fighting for his spot after failing to justify his selection over Sanju Samson. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s bat has gone quiet at the worst possible time. And head coach Gautam Gambhir is watching his top order crumble like a house of cards against South Africa’s pace battery.
From stunning India in Tests to pushing them to the edge in ODIs, they’ve now got the hosts on the ropes in T20s. Marco Jansen is breathing fire. Quinton de Kock is playing like a man possessed. Sunday’s clash promises freezing temperatures, a bouncy pitch, and two desperate teams. India needs to stop the rot. South Africa wants to twist the knife.
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IND vs SA 3rd T20 Match Details
- Date & Day: Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
- Start Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM IST)
- Series Status: Level at 1-1
- Live Telecast (India): Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming (India): JioHotstar app/website
The Crucial Context: Pressure Points and Player Battles
This IND vs SA T20 is layered with subplots that go beyond the scoreline. For India, two major concerns need to be addressed. First, the form of captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill is under intense scrutiny.
Gill, back from injury, spent a lot of time in the nets on Saturday. He was looking for his rhythm. Suryakumar is also trying to end a long streak without a T20I fifty. Their performances are critical not just for this match but for the team’s confidence heading into a World Cup year.
Second, South Africa has found a formula that works. Their win in the second T20I came from Quinton de Kock‘s exciting 90 runs. Donovan Ferreira also played well, especially against Jasprit Bumrah. The Proteas will be keen to repeat this template of a strong start followed by a death-overs assault.
The IND vs SA T20 squad 2025 is packed with power, but the chilly Dharamsala conditions add a wild card. Batter Tilak Varma acknowledged the challenge, stating, “There are no excuses at this level. It’s all about how mentally tough you are”. The cold could aid swing and seam early on, making the powerplay overs especially challenging for batters.
How to Catch All the Action: Live Stream and Telecast
Want to catch every ball of the IND vs SA match? Here’s how to watch:
- Live on TV: Tune into the Star Sports Network.
- Live Stream: Watch online on the JioHotstar app or website
- Live Scores: Follow the IND vs SA live score today on sports apps like Cricbuzz or ESPNcricinfo, and SportsDribble.
- For International Viewers:
- USA: Watch on Willow TV, available through streaming services like Sling TV.
- UK: Tune in to TNT Sports.
- Australia: Coverage is on Fox Sports or via the streaming service Kayo Sports.
- South Africa: The series is being shown on SuperSport.
What to Expect: Pitch, Conditions, and Predictions
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala is known for its high altitude, which traditionally helps the ball travel faster and can lead to high-scoring games. However, this is the latest in the year a T20 has been played here, and the cold December night changes everything.
The chilly air (8-11°C) could offer significant swing and seam movement, especially with the new ball, bringing fast bowlers from both sides right into the game.
Given the conditions and the strong historical trend of chasing teams winning night games at this venue, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt to field first. A par score might be lower than usual for Dharamsala, making disciplined bowling and smart batting more valuable than sheer power.
IND vs SA 3rd T20 Probable Playing 11
For India
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill / Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
For South Africa
Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Baartman
Players in the Spotlight
- Shubman Gill & Suryakumar Yadav (India): All eyes will be on them. This match is a critical opportunity to silence doubts and play a defining knock for their team.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India): After being taken for runs by Ferreira in the last game, the world’s best pace bowler will be itching for redemption. His battle in the death overs could decide the match.
- Marco Jansen (South Africa): The tall left-arm pacer is high on confidence and could be a major threat with the bounce and movement on offer.
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa): In devastating form, if he gets going again, he can take the game away from India in the powerplay itself.
Last Words
India needs to pull itself together, and fast. South Africa has shown they’re not here to make up the numbers. They’re here to win. Sunday’s IND vs SA 3rd T20 highlights will reveal whether India can steady the ship or if South Africa will push them closer to the edge. Check the IND vs SA live score and watch the encounter.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
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