The stage is set for a thrilling finale as the Indian cricket team prepares to take on South Africa in the fifth and final T20 International at Ahmedabad's colossal Narendra Modi Stadium. This decisive clash comes after the fourth match in Lucknow was tragically abandoned without a ball being bowled, courtesy of excessive fog and poor visibility that left players and fans disappointed.
Series Scenario and Team News
India, holding a 2-1 lead in the series, were denied a chance to seal the deal in Lucknow. The weather-induced abandonment means the Men in Blue now have two shots at claiming the series trophy. A victory in Ahmedabad will hand them a 3-1 series win, while a loss would level the series at 2-2, allowing India to still draw the series but not lose it.
On the team news front, all eyes are on the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, whose presence will significantly bolster the Indian bowling attack. However, concerns linger over the availability of opener Shubman Gill, with his participation still under a cloud of doubt. The probable playing XIs suggest an exciting contest ahead.
Ahmedabad's Weather and Pitch Report
Unlike the foggy conditions in Lucknow, Ahmedabad promises a much clearer setting. According to forecasts from Accuweather.com, the evening temperature during the match is expected to be around 25 degrees Celsius, dipping by four to five degrees as the night progresses. The city has experienced clear skies, with no immediate signs of fog that could disrupt play. However, dew is predicted to be a major factor, influencing the captain's decision at the toss and the bowlers' execution in the second innings.
The air quality, a major concern in northern Indian winters, is also relatively better in Ahmedabad. At the time of reporting, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 104, categorized as 'poor', with PM10 at 52 µg/m³ and PM2.5 at 37 µg/m³. This is deemed suitable for the match to proceed without environmental hindrances.
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is traditionally a batter's paradise, known for hosting high-scoring encounters. Experts predict a flat deck offering early assistance to pacers before settling into a true surface where spinners will come into play as the match wears on. Batters from both sides can look forward to a productive outing.
How to Watch the Series Decider
Fans across the nation can catch all the action live on Star Sports channels, the official broadcaster of the series. For those on the move, the live streaming will be available on the JioCinema app and its official website, ensuring no one misses the climax of this exciting bilateral contest.
Probable Playing XIs:
India: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi/Ottneil Baartman.
