After a frustrating washout in the fog of Lucknow, the action moves to the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the final showdown. With India leading 2-1, the stakes are simple: India aim to clinch the series 3-1, while South Africa look to level it 2-2 and salvage a draw from a high-octane tour.

How the series panned so far

India dominated the series opener in Cuttack with a massive 101-run win, but the Proteas bounced back in Chandigarh to win by 51 runs. India regained the lead in a low-scoring thriller at Dharamshala. With the 4th T20I abandoned without a ball being bowled, India is now guaranteed not to lose the series, but the final in Ahmedabad will determine if they lift the trophy outright.

Key talking points

The spotlight is firmly on Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill. Captain SKY has struggled for consistency this year, averaging just 14.20 in T20Is. Meanwhile, Gill is racing against time to be fit after a toe injury sidelined him in Lucknow. If Gill misses out, Sanju Samson is expected to keep his spot at the top.

Aiden Markram’s men have shown they can’t be counted out. With Quinton de Kock in vintage form and Anrich Nortje providing raw pace, the Proteas have the tools to upset the hosts. Their middle order, featuring Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, will be desperate to fire one last time.

Jasprit Bumrah returns to his home ground, where he is almost unplayable. For the Proteas, Marco Jansen has been a constant threat with the new ball. The battle between India’s spin twins and South Africa’s power hitters in the middle overs will likely decide the game.

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Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report

The Ahmedabad track is known for its true bounce and lightning-fast outfield. While it generally favors batters, the large boundary dimensions often bring spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav into play. Expect the captain winning the toss to bowl first. Dew is a significant factor in December, making the ball difficult to grip for bowlers in the second innings.

Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium T20I Stats and Records

• Total matches played: 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 Ovs) By India vs New Zealand
• Lowest total recorded: 66/10 (12.1 Ovs) By New Zealand vs India
• Highest score chased: 166/3 (17.5 Ovs) By India vs England
• Lowest score defended: 107/7 (20 Ovs) By West Indies Women vs India Women

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