India vs South Africa, 1st T20I: When and where to watch?

India are set to take on the might South Africans in the 5-match T20I series, starting on December 9. Most of the players have been in form, playing in the ODI series a few days back. India did clinch the series, 2-1, and will be looking forward to doing the same in the T20Is as well. Meanwhile, South Africa have a strong team and will be pumped up for playing in the T20I series. The Proteas will be led by Aiden Markram who scored a century in the ODI series, while India's captain is Suryakumar Yadav. The first match is on December 9, in Cuttack. 

Match details

Match: India vs South Africa, 1st T20I match

Date: December 9, 2025

Time: 7.30 PM IST

Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

Where to watch the India vs South Africa match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa 1st T20I match online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

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Pitch report

The Barabati Stadium pitch in Cuttack traditionally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early on, seamers get movement off the surface thanks to underlying moisture, making the first few overs challenging for batters. 

As the match progresses, the pitch tends to settle, allowing stroke-play with value for timing. Spinners also come into play in the middle overs due to the surface’s natural grip. Dew can be a key factor in night games, often favouring teams chasing. Overall, a competitive pitch where smart batting and disciplined bowling usually decide the outcome.

Head to head stats

India and South Africa have faced each other 31 times in T20Is, with the Men in Blue holding a clear advantage in the rivalry. India have won 18 matches, while South Africa have secured 12 victories, with one game ending with no result. Despite India’s superior overall record, the contests have remained competitive, as South Africa have often pushed the Men in Blue, especially in away conditions. 

Players to watch out for in India vs South Africa

India's Abhishek Sharma is surely the one to watch out for in the first T20I match against South Africa. He has smashed a ton in the SMAT 2025 and is in an incredible form. Another player is Hardik Pandya who is just returning from injury but will play a valuable role in the series. 

For South Africa, Dewald Brevis is one of the best T20I batters currently who is in form and has played in the previous series. They also have Anrich Nortje in this series who is a lethal bowler and is familiar with the Indian conditions which might be beneficial for the Proteas. 

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Squads:

South Africa Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Aiden Markram(c), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Reeza Hendricks, Ottneil Baartman, Donovan Ferreira, Kwena Maphaka, George Linde

India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma(w), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana