IND vs SA, 1st T20I: Cuttack Pitch Report, Barabati Stadium Stats and Records

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The five-match T20I series between India and South Africa kicks off at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Following their decisive 2-1 ODI series victory, the Men in Blue, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will look to maintain their dominance as they formally begin their build-up to the home T20 World Cup in early 2026.

This series is crucial for the reigning T20 World Champions as they look to refine their combinations and solidify the core squad for the future. South Africa, under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, will be eager to bounce back from the ODI defeat and prove their strength in the shortest format, where they boast significant firepower.

The major talking point for India is the return of two key players: vice-captain Shubman Gill and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, both recovering from injuries. Their inclusion brings completeness to an already aggressive T20 unit. India will aim for an aggressive top-order start, likely featuring Gill alongside the explosive Abhishek Sharma. The middle order, anchored by captain Suryakumar and the returning Hardik, looks formidable. The pace attack is bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Arshdeep Singh. The spin department looks strong with the wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy likely to play a crucial role.

South Africa, while smarting from the ODI series loss, have T20 specialists returning to their ranks. They possess an explosive batting lineup that can challenge any total. The Proteas will rely on experienced players like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and captain Aiden Markram to provide stability and aggression. The young talent of Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs adds an X-factor. The pace battery featuring Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi will be vital in challenging India’s aggressive batting lineup. Spinner Keshav Maharaj will look to control the middle overs.

Historically, the Cuttack pitch has provided good bounce and has generally favoured fast bowlers more than spinners initially. It’s not typically a high-scoring ground, with the average first-innings T20I score being modest. Dew is expected to be a factor in the evening, making the ball slippery. This usually prompts the captain winning the toss to bowl first and chase the target.

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