India vs South Africa: Ahmedabad T20I to conclude multi-leg series
What's the story
India will take on South Africa in the 5th and final T20I of the series at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on December 19. The hosts lead the series 2-1 after winning the first and third T20Is, while the Proteas stole a win in Mullanpur. The multi-leg series is finally coming to an end, with South Africa routing India 2-0 in Tests and India bouncing back in ODIs (2-1).
Abandonment
Why 4th T20I was called off
In a first, the 4th T20I between the two teams in Lucknow was called off due to "excessive fog." After the toss was delayed at Ekana Cricket Stadium, as many as six inspections of the ground followed. However, the foggy conditions made it impossible for the two groups to battle it out. The match was called off after the final inspection at 9:25pm.
Details
Pitch report, conditions, and streaming details
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to aid batters. While the shot-making is easier, the longer boundary dimensions could cut short the runs. In Ahmedabad, players can finally get rid of the cold conditions. The weather is expected to be warmer here. Meanwhile, one can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream it on the JioHotstar app/website (7:00pm IST).
India line-up
Will Shubman Gill play?
Star batter Shubman Gill was ruled out of the Lucknow T20I due to a toe injury. If he sits out in Ahmedabad, Sanju Samson will likely be his replacement at the top. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the Dharamsala T20I due to personal reasons, is expected to play in Ahmedabad. Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill/ Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy.
SA line-up
SA expected to make changes
South Africa will be aiming to level the series in what will be the last dance. The Proteas have fallen prey to constant changes in their XI. They might bring back Keshav Maharaj, one of their match-winners. Probable XI: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, and Keshav Maharaj.
Record
A look at head-to-head record
Overall, in T20Is, the two teams have met each other 34 times in T20Is, as per ESPNcricinfo. Team India has won 20 matches, with South Africa pocketing 13 wins (NR: 1). On Indian soil, the two sides have faced each other 15 times. The head-to-head record here is tied (7-7) as one of the games got abandoned due to rain.
Stats
Here are the star performers
Tilak Varma holds the best average among full-member team batters with at least 500 runs in T20I run chases (68). Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is India's highest wicket-taker in the powerplay overs (48). Quinton de Kock's T20I record against India is mighty impressive - 442 runs at an average of 40.18 and a strike rate of 145.39. Lungi Ngidi has taken six wickets at 13.33 in the ongoing series.