The 3rd T20I match of the ongoing 5-match series is levelled at 1-1 after South Africa’s dominating 51-run triumph over India in the previous clash in Mullanpur.

Both teams would be eager to take a 2-1 lead in the upcoming match to maximize their chances of winning the series, leaving the subsequent clashes (4th and 5th T20Is) as the decider contests.

As the high-octane clash is set to unfold in Dharamsala this Sunday, let’s predict the winner of the IND vs SA 3rd T20I by analyzing head-to-head records, weather, and pitch report, toss winning captain’s decision, and expected changes in playing XI.

IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025 Match Details

• Men’s T20I Match Number: 3644
• Date and Day: December 14, 2025 (Sunday)
• Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamsala
• Seating Limit: 21,200
• Match Timings (IST): 07 pm
  • Toss: 06:30 pm
  • Match Start (1st Innings): 07 pm to 08:30 pm
  • Innings Break: 08:30 pm to 08:50 pm
  • Second Innings: 08:50 pm to 10:30 pm

Head-to-Head Rivalry of IND vs SA in T20Is

Despite a recent setback in the 2nd T20I, India still maintains a strong head-to-head record against South Africa in the shortest format of international cricket:

• T20I Matches Played (IND vs SA): 33
• Won:
  • INDIA: 19
  • SOUTH AFRICA: 13
• No Result Matches: 01
• Winnings at Home in T20Is:
  • INDIA: 05
  • SOUTH AFRICA: 04
• Winnings Away in T20Is:
  • INDIA: 09
  • SOUTH AFRICA: 07
• Winnings at Neutral Venue in T20Is:
  • INDIA: 04
  • SOUTH AFRICA: 02

Dharamsala Weather Reports for IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025

The chilling weather conditions in Dharamsala make it difficult for both teams to perform in terms of batting and bowling. Although the match has less chances of getting interrupted due to rain, there are chances for heavy fog to play a spoilsport.

Here are the latest weather forecast reports revealed ahead of the 3rd T20I match between India and South Africa:

• Temperature: 10 °C
• Wind Speed: 15 km/hr
• Humidity: 40%
• Cloud Cover: 100%
• Dew Point: -2°
• Rainfall Chances: NIL

HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala Pitch Conditions for IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025

The HPCA stadium pitches have proven to be batting-friendly, where only fast bowlers are assisted during the powerplay, while spinners hardly get any role to play only if dew doesn’t play any significant role under the lights.

Out of 11 T20Is played, the teams that batted first have won on 4 occasions, while the chasing teams triumphed in 6 matches.

Toss Winning Captain’s Expected Decision at HPCA Stadium for IND vs SA 3rd T20I 2025

Both the Indian and South African captains would be keen to bowl first and take advantage of chasing the targets under the lights at the HPCA stadium. With a dew point ranging upto -2°, it is understood that the chasing teams will have a higher advantage to secure a win at this venue.

Expected Changes in India and South Africa Playing XI

India is expected to bring back Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, and Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI by resting Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Axar Patel. In contrast, South Africa is likely to maintain their same main XI following their success in the recent game.

Here is how India and South Africa can come up with a formidable line-up in the forthcoming clash:

India’s Possible Starting XI vs South Africa in 3rd T20I

South Africa’s Possible Starting XI vs India in 3rd T20I

3rd T20I 2025 Winner Prediction: India or South Africa

South Africa boasts higher chances of winning the next T20I match, given their intent to win the ongoing 5-match series under Aiden Markram’s captaincy. The visitors recently delivered an all-round performance and dominated the men-in-blue at their own backyard.

Also, Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill’s disappointing run with the bat in the 20-over format adds woes to India’s top-order batting unit.

Moreover, a disastrous pace bowling attack in the previous T20I, where Arshdeep Singh bowled 7 wides in a single over, threatens the hosts’ winning chances.

Conclusively, the team with a strong batting line-up and balanced bowling unit comprising highly skilled pacers and spinners is certain to secure victory under tricky playing conditions at the HPCA stadium.