India have gone with an aggressive start in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma walking out to open the innings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. With the series finely poised and plenty already learned over the last few games, the hosts will be keen to end a demanding home assignment on a confident note.
This match is more than just a finale. It’s a chance for India to settle a few unanswered questions, test combinations under pressure, and carry momentum forward.
Live Match Context: What’s at Stake Tonight
The India vs South Africa T20I series has been anything but straightforward. India have shown flashes of dominance but also moments of uncertainty—especially around team balance, death bowling, and batting depth. The final game offers a clean slate.
For South Africa, it’s about finishing strong and proving that their explosive brand of T20 cricket can travel well in Indian conditions. For India, it’s about control, clarity, and execution.
Why Samson and Abhishek Opening Matters
The decision to open with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma signals intent. Abhishek’s fearless approach in the powerplay pairs well with Samson’s ability to find gaps and accelerate early. The management clearly wants early momentum rather than playing it safe.
This combination also hints at India testing future-ready options, especially with major ICC events around the corner.
Pitch and Conditions at Narendra Modi Stadium
Ahmedabad has offered good batting surfaces through the series, but bowlers who hit the hard length have found rewards as the game progresses. The large outfield puts pressure on batters to clear the ropes, making placement just as important as power.
Dew could play a role later, which makes the toss crucial and puts extra focus on execution under lights.
IND vs SA 5th T20I LIVE Commentary – Ball-by-Ball Updates
Dec 19, 2025 | 9:08 PM IST – LIVE
Chase begins for South Africa
South Africa get underway in the run chase as Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks walk out to open. Arshdeep Singh has the new ball and will look for early swing.
Game on in Ahmedabad.
Dec 19, 2025 | 7:53 PM IST – LIVE
Wicket! George Linde removes Sanju Samson
Big breakthrough for South Africa as George Linde cleans up Sanju Samson for 37. Samson looks to make room and play a shot, but a beauty from Linde sneaks through and crashes into the stumps.
A fine knock ends.
IND 97/2 (9.1 overs)
Dec 19, 2025 | 19:46 IST – LIVE
Injury scare for the umpire
Play halted briefly as the on-field umpire is down after being hit by the ball. The physio is out checking on him while players wait. More updates to follow.
Dec 19, 2025 | 7:45 PM IST – LIVE
SIX! Sanju Samson on the charge
George Linde keeps it tight through the over, but Sanju Samson cuts loose on the last ball, launching him over deep mid-wicket for a six. Samson looks in complete control and is stamping his authority with a confident knock.
IND 85/1 (8 overs)
Dec 19, 2025 | 7:34 PM IST – LIVE
Wicket! Abhishek Sharma departs for 34
Corbin Bosch strikes after a mixed over. After a couple of dot balls and a wide, Abhishek Sharma punishes him with a six, but the bowler has the last laugh. A loose delivery next ball and Abhishek gloves it behind to the keeper.
A brisk knock comes to an end.
IND 63/1 (5.4 overs)
Dec 19, 2025 | 19:30 IST – LIVE
Big milestone for Sanju Samson!
Sanju Samson brings up 1,000 T20I runs during his knock, reaching the landmark in 679 balls. He now sits fourth among Indians with the fewest balls to the milestone.
Fastest by Indians (balls):
528 – Abhishek Sharma
573 – Suryakumar Yadav
679 – Hardik Pandya
679 – Sanju Samson
A classy achievement in a pressure game.
Dec 19, 2025 | 19:27 IST – LIVE
India cross 50!
Brilliant powerplay from Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as India race past the 50-run mark. 15 runs off Marco Jansen’s over, with six balls still left in the powerplay.
IND 56/0 (5 overs)
Dec 19, 2025 | 19:22 IST – LIVE
Lucky FOUR for Sanju Samson!
Fuller and wide from Lungi Ngidi, Samson goes hard at it and gets a thick outside edge. Fortune favours him as the ball races through the gap between first slip and short third for a boundary.
IND 56/0 (5.2 overs)
Dec 19, 2025 | 19:15 IST – LIVE
2.5 overs: Injury scare for South Africa as Quinton de Kock is down after being hit on the fingertips for the second time. The physio is out checking him. Play paused briefly.
Author: Axpert Media Sports Desk
🟢 India Innings Begin – Samson & Abhishek at the Crease
Over 0.1: Abhishek Sharma takes strike and starts confidently, tapping the first ball into the off-side. India are off the mark calmly.
Over 0.2: Good length from the South African pacer, Abhishek defends solidly. Early watchful approach.
Over 0.3: Abhishek opens his shoulders—short ball, pulled hard through midwicket. That’s India’s first boundary. Intent shown early.
Over 0.4: Dot ball. Tight line, bowler asking questions.
Over 0.5: Quick single taken. Sanju Samson gets his first touch.
Over 0.6: Samson nudges it to fine leg, keeps the scoreboard ticking.
End of Over 1: India 5/0
Steady start. No risks, but positive body language from both openers.
🟢 Over 2:
Samson looks more fluent early. Drives on the up—timing is sweet but straight to cover.
Abhishek rotates strike well, clearly targeting a strong powerplay without throwing his wicket away.
🟢 Over 3:
Short and wide—Samson cuts it hard! That races away to the fence. Crowd comes alive in Ahmedabad.
South Africa tighten the field, sensing Samson’s confidence.
End of Over 3: India 18/0
India building nicely. No panic, just smart cricket.
🟢 Over 4:
Abhishek steps out—big swing, mistimed but safe. Shows intent even if it doesn’t connect cleanly.
Bowler pulls back the length next ball. Dot.
🟢 Over 5:
Pressure release! Abhishek lofts one cleanly over extra cover—six runs, clean hit. That’s the shot India wanted in the powerplay.
End of Over 5: India 34/0
Excellent start. Openers look settled, South Africa yet to strike.
🟢 Over 6 (Powerplay ends):
Samson finishes the over with a clever glide past short third. Easy boundary.
Powerplay Summary:
India play it smart—controlled aggression, wickets intact, and momentum on their side. Exactly the kind of start they needed in a series decider.
Stay tuned—live updates will continue as India push for a strong total and South Africa hunt for the breakthrough.
