 "India vs South Africa 5th T20I pitch report")
India aim to sign off a testing home season on a winning note when they take on South Africa in the fifth and final T20 International today. South African skipper Aiden Markram wins the toss of the match and invited India to bat first.
Despite the series advantage, the focus remains on individual form and selection concerns. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s prolonged slump in T20Is continues to be a major talking point, especially with the T20 World Cup fast approaching. Vice-captain Shubman Gill is set to miss the final game due to a toe injury, prompting India to consider Sanju Samson as a top-order replacement — a role in which the wicketkeeper-batter has produced his best performances.
Check the live score of India vs South Africa 5th T20 match here
India’s bowling has been one of the positives, with Arshdeep Singh growing in confidence and Varun Chakravarthy leading the wicket charts. Jasprit Bumrah’s return further boosts the attack. South Africa, meanwhile, will be keen to draw the series and will hope for stronger contributions from their top order, including Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen, to finish the tour on a high.
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India vs South Africa 5th T20I: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad pitch report
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to offer a balanced yet batting-friendly surface for the fifth T20I between India and South Africa. The square boundaries are relatively short, measuring in the mid-60-metre range, while the straight boundary is longer at over 70 metres, which may influence batting strategies.
The match will be played on a black-soil pitch that appears slightly dry, though it is well bound and unlikely to deteriorate significantly. While spinners could extract some assistance as the game progresses, sharp turn is not expected due to the firm surface. An even grass covering should ensure good bounce and allow batters to play through the line with confidence.
High-scoring games have been common at this venue, particularly in the IPL, where totals close to 200 are often competitive. Despite the general preference for chasing in T20 cricket, teams batting first have enjoyed greater success at this stadium, making the toss less crucial.
India vs South Africa: Head-to-head stats in T20Is in Ahmedabad
India and South Africa will play their first T20I match against each other at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Friday.
India T20I record at Ahmedabad
The Indian team has so far played seven T20 International matches at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. They have won five and lost two matches.
South Africa T20I record in Ahmedabad
South Africa are yet to play a T20I match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Most recent T20I match in Ahmedabad
The last T20I match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad was played in February 2023 between India and New Zealand. The hosts, batting first, with the help of Shubman Gill’s century, posted a total of 234 for 4. In reply, New Zealand were bundled out for just 66 as India recorded their biggest T20I win by 168 runs.
Key T20I stats of Ahmedabad Stadium
| Statistic | Data |
| Total T20I Matches | 10 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 6 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 4 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 160 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 137 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 234/4 (20 overs) – IND vs NZ |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 66/10 (12.1 overs) – NZ vs IND |
| Highest Score Chased | 166/3 (17.5 overs) – IND vs ENG |
| Lowest Score Defended | 107/7 (20 overs) – WI Women vs IND Women |
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