IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Dharamsala Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, and Dew Factor

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The five-match series shifts to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala for the 3rd T20I, with the series level at 1-1 after South Africa’s win in the last game. This scenic, high-altitude venue is famous for fast outfields, extra bounce, and dramatic conditions, promising a different challenge than the Mullanpur track.

Historically, the ground offers an even contest between bat and ball, with average first innings scores in the T20 format often in the 137-152 range, although recent IPL games have seen scores breach 200, indicating a potential for high-scoring matches. The pitch is known to offer good carry for pacers, aiding initial seam movement, but the true bounce also favors fluent strokeplay once the batters are set.

The match on Sunday, December 14, 2025, is expected to be played in cold conditions with temperatures ranging between a maximum of 14°C and a minimum of 9°C during the evening. While the high-altitude weather is volatile, current forecasts predict generally clear skies with a low chance of rain (some sources suggest a slight possibility of light drizzle).The cool, crisp December air at this altitude (approx. 1,300–1,450 meters) is ideal for spectators but challenging for player’s grip. The main weather-related concern remains the dew factor rather than rain interruptions, ensuring a full match is likely.

The significant altitude of the HPCA Stadium, combined with the typical cool December evening, causes a heavy build-up of dew after sunset. This dew is expected to be a major game-changer, causing the ball to get wet, slick, and difficult to grip for bowlers in the second innings. The wet ball skids on the notoriously quick outfield, further aiding the chasing side by making it easier to hit through the line and concede boundaries. This effect neutralizes the threat of both spinners and pacers late in the game, amplifying the advantage for the team batting second, a characteristic seen in high-altitude night games here.

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Captains will likely choose to bowl first upon winning the toss for these key reasons:

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