Published on: Dec 13, 2025 6:59 pm IST | Updated on: Dec 16, 2025 5:05 pm IST
After a humiliation in Cuttack, the Proteas have bounced back magnificently to clinch the 2nd T20I in Mullanpur and make it 1-1 in the 5-match T20I series. The two teams will now head to the northern part of the county, i.e., Dharamsala, for the 3rd T20I on Sunday, December 14. So far, it has been a magnificent showing by both teams in two separate games. Team India was on song in the first T20I, whereas the Proteas roared in the second. With the series nicely poised at 1-1, expect a cliffhanger in the scenic Dharamsala. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 3rd T20I Match, IND vs SA, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.
Mullanpur witnessed the best of Quinton de Kock. The wicket-keeper batter was in a different mood in the last game, as he showed no mercy on the Indian bowlers. More than Indian bowling, their batting was a sheer disappointment, courtesy of Gautam Gambhir’s wayward calls with the batting order. Heading into the third game of the series, the hosts will once again have the added advantage, but counting out the Proteas would be a joke, particularly after what they did the other night. Expect the win probability meter to favor Team India. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 3rd T20I Match, IND vs SA, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.
IND: 58% win chance SA: 42% win chance
The Indian opener is the only batter, along with Shubman Gill, who has a fixed batting order. Although he hasn't been at his best in the last two games, Abhishek has been doing all the right things with the bat this year for Team India. He remains a big threat for the opposition.
Fresh off a fifty in the last game, Varma has contributed 245 runs in his last 9 T20I games. The left-hander will be one of the batters to watch out for in this game.
The youngster hasn't quite fired so far in this series. However, with 296 runs in his last 9 T20Is, he is a perfect bet for this game.
The wicket-keeper batter is fresh off a brilliant 90 in the last game. He just toyed with the Indian bowlers in the last game and once again will be looking to do the same.
Check out our prediction for the IND vs SA 3rd T20I match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.
It was a setback for India, which failed to do well in the 2nd game of the series in Mullanpur. Gautam Gambhir seems to be overcontrolling the team, as he was seen directing captain Suryakumar Yadav to get in the bowler he wants. Batting order has always been the talk of the town under Gambhir’s coaching.
One instance of Gambhir’s wayward tactics was on display in the last game when Axar Patel was sent at no. 3 ahead of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma while chasing a total in excess of 200. For the first time in his life, Axar came out to bat in the first over of an innings and was under pressure straightaway.
Team India is in a precarious state with just 8 more T20Is in their kitty ahead of the all-important T20 World Cup 2026. The batting order looks weak due to favoritism of Gambhir and his improbable tactic of shuffling the batting order every now and then. The team is going nowhere, and it won’t be a surprise if they lose this game as well.
South Africa is thumped after a victory in the last game, and they will walk into the third T20I at Dharamsala with confidence surging through the camp. Their 51‑run win over India in the second match at Mullanpur was not just dominant—it was a statement. Quinton de Kock produced a vintage knock, smashing a brilliant 90 that set the tone for the Proteas’ innings. His aggressive intent at the top forced India onto the back foot early and allowed South Africa to post a commanding total.
With the ball, Ottneil Baartman delivered a spell that completely derailed India’s chase. His four‑wicket haul showcased exceptional control, clever variations, and the ability to strike at crucial moments. Supported well by the rest of the attack, Baartman ensured India never found momentum.
As the series shifts to the scenic Dharamsala, South Africa will look to build on their newfound rhythm. The conditions may be different, but the confidence gained from such a comprehensive win will be invaluable. India, on the other hand, will be under pressure to respond. With the series finely poised, the third T20I promises high intensity and another gripping contest. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 33 SA won: 13 IND won: 19 No Result: 1 RECENT form INDIA: W W NR W L RECENT form SOUTH AFRICA: W L L L W
Overall, in 33 meetings between India and South Africa in T20Is, the hosts, Team India, still have the upper hand, as they have won 19 games. South Africa has 13 wins to their name, with one match ending without a result.
How will the two teams, i.e., India and South Africa, fare in the third T20I? Let’s take a look.
Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen/Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Lutho Sipamla, Anrich Nortje/Lungi Ngidi. Ottneil Baartman
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 3rd T20I between India and South Africa at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
With Dharamsala offering early swing and cool evening conditions, both teams will be tempted to bowl first. The captain winning the toss is likely to choose to field, hoping to exploit movement in the first few overs and chase later on a surface that generally becomes easier for batting.
The online live streaming of the 3rd T20I match of the South Africa tour of India will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Star Sports 1 and 3 channels.
Despite losing the last game, Team India still stands as the firm favorite to win this game, as per many sportsbooks. Playing at home gives them a massive advantage, as the crowd will always be behind them. However, the way South Africa played in the last game, the series has definitely spiced up as the visitors can’t be counted out. For now India remains the favorite, with South Africa surely in the contest. Therefore, as per our prediction, Team India is expected to win the IND vs SA 3rd T20I match and go 2-1 up in the series.
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