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| Image Source: Amar Ujala |
The high-voltage India vs South Africa T20 series for 2025 has captured the imagination of cricket fans globally, serving not just as a thrilling bilateral contest but as a critical dress rehearsal for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026.
Following a comprehensive victory for the home side in the opening fixture, the momentum now shifts to the newly commissioned venue in Punjab for the pivotal 2nd T20I.
The opening game in Cuttack saw the Indian national cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, deliver a commanding performance, successfully defending 176 runs to bundle out the Proteas for a low total of 74. This result has set up the second match as a must-win for Aiden Markram’s South Africa cricket team, who are desperate to level the series and halt India’s formidable run of nine consecutive series wins in the shortest format. All eyes are now focused on the picturesque setting of New Chandigarh, as the teams prepare for another fierce contest that promises crucial action and drama.
Battleground Shift: The 2nd T20I Match Details
The highly anticipated IND vs SA 2nd T20 is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
| Detail | Information |
| Date & Day | Thursday, December 11, 2025 |
| Time (IST) | 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM IST) |
| Venue (IND vs SA 2nd T20 venue) | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) |
This match marks one of the first major international T20 encounters at this state-of-the-art facility, adding an element of unpredictability to the already thrilling series.
The Mullanpur Pitch Report: Pacers' Paradise or Batting Heaven?
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, often referred to as the New PCA Stadium, is one of India’s newest international venues, having been inaugurated recently. The ind vs sa 2nd t20 pitch report suggests a surface that offers a fair and balanced contest between bat and ball, though with a distinct leaning towards pace.
Key Pitch Characteristics:
- Surface: The pitch is composed of a mixture of red soil and natural grass, ensuring good carry and consistent bounce, which is a significant advantage for fast bowlers.
- Pace and Bounce: Pacers are expected to be the main threat, utilizing the true nature of the track to hurry the batsmen. The pace and bounce on offer, particularly with the new ball, make precision of line and length non-negotiable for the seamers.
- Spin Factor: While pacers dominate the early narrative, the semi-dry climate and usage data from domestic matches suggest that spinners can come into play as the game progresses, especially in the second innings where the pitch may slow down slightly and offer grip.
- The Dew Factor: Like many Indian venues hosting night matches, dew is anticipated to be a factor in the second half of the game, potentially easing run-scoring for the team batting second. This often influences the captain's decision at the toss, with a tendency to bowl first.
Venue Records (T20):
Analysis of earlier games played here suggests that setting a substantial total is key. The average first-innings score is typically around the 170-175 mark. Crucially, statistics show that when a team manages to breach the 170-run mark batting first, they have a significantly high winning percentage, indicating that chasing big targets remains challenging on this surface. A strong start from the top order will be vital for both teams to capitalize on the hard new ball.
Squad and Playing XI Analysis: The Comebacks and Key Battles
The IND vs SA T20 squad announcements for this series were notable for the return of several major players, turning this contest into a high-stakes proving ground.
India National Cricket Team (Squad & Key Focus)
Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav (c), the Indian side is bolstered by the returns of key personnel. Hardik Pandya made a brilliant comeback in the first match with both bat and ball, lending crucial balance to the XI. Vice-captain Shubman Gill has also returned after injury, and his form at the top of the order alongside Abhishek Sharma will be critical in providing explosive starts.
The pace attack, spearheaded by the experienced Jasprit Bumrah and the talented left-armer Arshdeep Singh, proved devastating in Cuttack, showing India’s depth in pace bowling. Expect the Indian management to stick largely to the winning combination unless conditions dictate an extra spinner like Washington Sundar.
South Africa Cricket Team (Squad & Must-Win Strategy)
Aiden Markram (c) heads a South African squad that is packed with power-hitters but struggled to adapt to the pressure in the series opener. Star players like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and the exciting young talent Dewald Brevis will need to step up dramatically to counter India's momentum.
The focus for the Proteas will be tactical discipline and resilience. The bowlers, including Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, must find ways to contain the aggressive Indian middle-order, while the batting lineup needs one anchor to play through the innings. Brevis, the six-hitting machine, will be a key player to watch, especially on the Mullanpur surface that offers more pace and bounce compared to the Cuttack track.
Following the Action: IND vs SA T20 Live Score and Telecast
Fans looking to follow the ind vs sa t20 live action and the ind vs sa t20 scorecard can tune into the official broadcasters. The entire ind vs south africa 2025 series is being telecast on the Star Sports Network across various channels in India. For those preferring digital streaming, the JioCinema app and website will provide live streaming of all five matches, ensuring that every boundary and wicket is captured for the audience.
Full Schedule of the IND vs SA 2025 T20I Series
While the focus is on the second match, the complete schedule highlights the intensity of the remainder of the series:
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 1st T20I | Dec 09, 2025 | Cuttack | 7:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Dec 11, 2025 | Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) | 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | Dec 14, 2025 | Dharamsala | 7:00 PM |
| 4th T20I | Dec 17, 2025 | Lucknow | 7:00 PM |
| 5th T20I | Dec 19, 2025 | Ahmedabad | 7:00 PM |
As the series shifts to Mullanpur, India aims to double its lead and secure an unassailable advantage, while South Africa faces a critical juncture, needing a massive rebound performance to keep their hopes alive. The stage is set for a gripping india vs sa match under the lights of a new international venue.
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