IND vs SA 2025: India vs South Africa Highlights & Result – 5th T20I

Published - 19 Dec 2025, 22:43 IST | Updated - 19 Dec 2025, 23:16 IST

India clinched the five-match series 3-1 with a 30-run victory in Ahmedabad. Batting first, India posted a massive 231, courtesy of Hardik Pandya's quick 63 off just 16 balls, the second-fastest fifty for India in T20Is. Tilak Varma added 73 off 42. Meanwhile, South Africa's chase started explosively as Quinton de Kock, playing his 100th T20I, smashed 65 off 35 balls. When Brevis joined him, they tore into the opposition bowling, racing to 118/1 in 10 overs.

However, Jasprit Bumrah dismissed de Kock with a brilliant caught-and-bowled, triggering a collapse. South Africa lost 4 wickets for just 15 runs. Bumrah's figures of 2/17 in 4 overs proved match-winning on a night when 432 runs were scored. Furthermore, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy also added four wickets to his tally as India restricted the visitors to 201/8.

Umpire down in pain as Sanju Samson drive hits knee

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya didn't spare any opposition bowler during his breathtaking knock. Pandya raced to his half-century in just 16 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. His innings saw him smash four boundaries and five sixes. Pandya was particularly brilliant against left-arm spinner George Linde. He went on to score 63 off just 25 deliveries, and his cameo propelled India to a massive total of 231/5.

Watch out! The ball is being powered across the ground today. ⚡️@hardikpandya7 starts his innings with a maximum! 🙌#INDvSA 5th T20I | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/adG06ykx8o

Varun Chakravarthy delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with figures of 4/53 as he single-handedly turned the game in India’s favour. Introduced in the seventh over, the mystery spinner immediately made an impact by dismissing Reeza Hendricks, whose innings ended with a chip brilliantly caught by Shivam Dube. Chakravarthy then removed South Africa captain Aiden Markram with an lbw decision. He followed it with a stunning double strike, as Donovan Ferreira and George Linde were both bowled by deceptive googlies. South Africa collapsed from a strong position, losing four wickets for just 15 runs.

A double-wicket over! 🙌... and Varun Chakaravarthy is absolutely pumped! 👊Updates ▶️ https://t.co/kw4LKLNSl3#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @chakaravarthy29 | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Hardik Pandya was the standout batting performer in the fifth and final T20I. With the bat, he recorded the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is. His knock, along with support from Tilak Varma, ensured the hosts reachead a comfortable target.  With the ball, he picked the wicket of Dewald Brevis and conceded 41 runs in three overs.

The five-match T20I series concluded with India winning it with a 3-1 margin. The Men in Blue's next T20I assignment is scheduled against New Zealand, starting 21st January, 2026. Meanwhile, South Africa will fly back home for a home series against the West Indies, beginning on 27th January 2026.