Fri Dec 19 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## India Sets Sights on Series Victory After Explosive Batting Display in Ahmedabad T20
Ahmedabad, India – India has put South Africa under immense pressure in the decisive fifth T20I, setting a daunting target of 232 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The home side is aiming to clinch the series after a dominant batting performance.
At the time of reporting, South Africa is 69/1 after 6.3 overs in their chase, with Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis at the crease.
India’s innings was powered by blistering knocks from Hardik Pandya (63 off 25 balls) and Tilak Varma (73 off 42 balls), who forged a game-changing 105-run partnership. Openers Abhishek Sharma (34) and Sanju Samson (37) also contributed with quick-fire innings.
After winning the first match by 101 runs, India lead the series 2-1. South Africa secured a 51-run win in the second match, while India bounced back with a seven-wicket victory in the third. The fourth T20 in Lucknow was abandoned due to poor visibility.
India made three changes to their playing XI, with Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, and Jasprit Bumrah replacing the injured Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, and Harshit Rana respectively.
India’s Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
South Africa’s Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Baartman.
With India leading the head-to-head record in T20Is (20 wins to South Africa’s 13), the team will be looking to maintain their dominance and secure a well-deserved series victory on home soil.
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