Ahmedabad: India clinched a thrilling 30-run victory over South Africa in the fifth T20I at Narendra Modi Stadium, sealing the series 3-1 in a high-octane finale.
The Men in Blue, led by Suryakumar Yadav, showcased their dominance with a blend of explosive batting and disciplined bowling, ending 2025 on a triumphant note.
Batting first after South Africa opted to bowl, India posted a formidable 231/5, powered by Hardik Pandya’s blistering 63 off 25 balls, including a 16-ball fifty — the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Tilak Varma composed 73 off 42 balls, and a 105-run stand with Pandya set the stage for a daunting total.
The Ahmedabad crowd roared as Pandya’s monstrous sixes lit up the night.
South Africa’s chase began with promise, with Quinton de Kock’s fiery 65 off 33 balls and Dewald Brevis’ 29 keeping them in the hunt at 118/1 after 10 overs. However, the bowlers from India reversed the situation. Varun Chakravarthy’s sensational four-wicket haul and Jasprit Bumrah’s tight death bowling triggered a collapse, restricting the Proteas to 201/8. Abhishek Sharma remained composed in the final over, securing India’s 14th consecutive T20I series victory.
Despite concerns over Ahmedabad’s ‘unhealthy’ AQI, the match proceeded uninterrupted, with the pitch favouring batsmen. This victory, India’s last T20I before the 2026 World Cup squad selection, underscored their depth and readiness. For South Africa, the loss capped a mixed tour, having won the Test series 2-0 but faltering in limited overs.