Overview:
Narendra Modi Stadium has hosted 7 T20I matches so far. Teams batting first have won 4 matches, while chasing sides have won 3.
The 5th T20I between India and South Africa marks the final chapter of a competitive five-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With India leading the series 2–1 after the fourth T20I in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball being bowled, the hosts have a clear edge heading into the finale. This match is not a dead rubber. India will aim to convert their advantage into a 3–1 series win, while South Africa have one last opportunity to level the series 2–2 and leave India with shared honours. Ahmedabad, known for its flat surfaces and high scoring potential, sets the stage for an attacking contest. Given the batting depth on both sides and the venue’s history of rewarding intent, the final T20I is expected to be decided by execution under pressure rather than conditions alone. Expect aggressive batting, tactical bowling changes, and a strong emphasis on winning the toss.
India’s Squad for T20 Series vs South Africa
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicket keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed.
South Africa’s Squad for T20 Series vs India
Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wicket keeper), Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs.
India’s Probable XI for the 5th T20I vs South Africa
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa’s Probable XI for the 5th T20I vs India
Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicket keeper), Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donnovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartmaan.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – Key Details
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the largest cricket stadium in the world and one of India’s most prominent modern venues. It features a seating capacity of over 130,000 and offers world-class drainage, lighting, and outfield facilities, making it ideal for night matches. The stadium uses multiple black soil and red soil pitches, allowing curators to prepare surfaces suited for different formats. In T20Is, the venue has developed a reputation for producing true batting tracks with consistent bounce and value for shots. The square boundaries are relatively long, while straight boundaries are shorter, encouraging batters to target the V rather than rely purely on slogging. Under lights, dew can become a factor, often influencing captains to bowl first. Crowd support at Ahmedabad is intense, and momentum swings tend to be amplified, especially in high-profile international fixtures like this India vs South Africa clash.
What Is the Pitch Like at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad?
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium generally offers excellent batting conditions in T20Is. The surface is hard, well-rolled, and provides even bounce, allowing stroke makers to play through the line with confidence. Powerplay overs are crucial, as the ball comes nicely onto the bat early on, rewarding teams that attack upfront. As the match progresses, pacers who hit the deck hard and use variations like slower balls and cutters tend to find success, particularly on black soil strips. Spinners play a secondary role, mainly as defensive options rather than wicket-taking threats. Dew often becomes a significant factor in night games, reducing grip for bowlers and making chasing slightly easier. Overall, this is a venue where totals above 180 are competitive but not safe, and teams must continue scoring aggressively across all phases to stay ahead.
Key Stats at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Narendra Modi Stadium has hosted 7 T20I matches so far. Teams batting first have won 4 matches, while chasing sides have won 3. Notably, all 7 matches were won by the team winning the toss, underlining the importance of the toss decision. The average first innings score at the venue stands at 183, indicating a strong bias toward high scoring contests.
India have an unbeaten T20I record at this venue, winning all 5 matches played here. They also hold the top three highest team totals: 234/4 vs New Zealand (2023), 224/2 vs England (2021), and 192/5 vs Pakistan (2012). Shubman Gill’s 126* against New Zealand remains the highest individual score at the ground. Pacers have accounted for 77.33% of wickets at this venue, making fast bowling a decisive factor. India’s wins here have consistently featured totals above 185. There have been no ties or no results in T20Is at this ground.
IND vs SA: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
Weather conditions in Ahmedabad are expected to be ideal for cricket. The day will be mostly sunny with minimal cloud cover. Temperatures are forecast to range between 30–32°C during the day and cool down to around 15–18°C in the evening, providing comfortable playing conditions. No rain is expected, ensuring an uninterrupted contest. Light east northeasterly winds at 5–10 km/h are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on play. Overall, the weather will not influence match conditions or outcomes.
India vs South Africa: Pitch Advantage for Which Side
On paper, the conditions at Narendra Modi Stadium favour India. Their familiarity with the venue, unbeaten T20I record here, and depth in fast bowling give them a clear edge. India’s batting lineup is also better equipped to exploit flat surfaces consistently. South Africa, however, are not without a chance. Their pace-heavy attack suits the venue’s wicket-taking trends, and their power hitters can neutralise any ground advantage if they start well. The toss remains a decisive factor. Whichever side reads conditions better at the toss is likely to control the game’s tempo.
FAQs: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
What is the pitch report for Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad?
The pitch is batting-friendly with good bounce, short straight boundaries, and strong support for fast bowlers using variations.
What are India’s and South Africa’s records at this venue?
India are unbeaten in T20Is at Ahmedabad. India and South Africa have not previously played a T20I against each other at this venue.