SA 135-5 (12 Overs) | IND vs SA, 5th T20I LIVE: Varun Chakaravarthy takes 2 consecutive wickets

Varun Chakaravarthy struck again in quick succession, completely outfoxing Ferreira with a beauty that rattled the stumps first ball. The South African batter was dismissed for a golden duck, bowled by Varun, who picked up his second wicket in consecutive deliveries. With this scalp, the mystery spinner moved onto a hat-trick, sending a wave of excitement through the Indian camp and piling pressure on the batting side.

Quinton de Kock brought up his 18th T20I half-century with a tight single off Washington Sundar, cramped for room yet guided smartly through point. He raised his bat in acknowledgment as the crowd and teammates applauded a vital knock, especially with Reeza Hendricks struggling for form. De Kock’s composed effort ensured South Africa had a solid foundation to build on.

Jasprit Bumrah produced a fascinating over, blending skillful variations with a moment of misfortune. He began with a clever slower ball to Reeza Hendricks and followed it up with a sharp yorker to Quinton de Kock, keeping the batters guessing. Bumrah also induced a false shot with an inswinger that nearly clipped the off stump and surprised de Kock with a deceptive slower bumper. However, a rare error resulted in five wides down the leg side, helping South Africa bring up their first 50-plus opening stand against India in their last 20 T20I innings, before the over ended with singles that kept the momentum ticking.

India set a target of 231 which is also the second highest on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Hardik Pandya hits half-century in just 16 balls. He has also become the second fastest Indian to score half-century in the T20Is and is now only behind Yuvraj Singh.

12 - Yuvraj Singh vs ENG, Durban, 2007 WC16 - Hardik Pandya vs SA, Ahmedabad, 2025*17 - Abhishek Sharma vs ENG, Wankhede, 202518 - KL Rahul vs SCO, Dubai, 202118 - Suryakumar Yadav vs SA, Guwahati, 2022

Suryakumar Yadav’s innings ended cheaply as he was caught by Miller off Corbin Bosch’s bowling. Attempting to clear the infield, SKY mistimed the shot, and the ball went straight to Miller. After scoring just 5 runs from 7 balls, Yadav trudged off the field, disappointed by the soft dismissal.

Linde struck a decisive blow as Sanju Samson was bowled for 37 off 22 balls. The 90 kph flighted ball drifted in and landed around middle and leg, deceiving Samson as he backed away. Attempting to adjust to the length, he missed completely, allowing Linde to clean up the stumps and claim a crucial wicket for his team

1614 - Virat Kohli in 20161602 - Abhishek Sharma in 2025*1503 - Suryakumar Yadav in 20221338 - Suryakumar Yadav in 20231297 - Yashasvi Jaiswal in 2023

Sanju Samson has unlocked a new milestone and reached 1000 runs in T20 Internationals.

Lungi Ngidi began with an aggressive opening over, troubling both batters with extra bounce and movement. Sanju Samson was beaten twice outside off, once by swing and once by bounce, as Ngidi hit a sharp length at pace. Abhishek Sharma then announced himself in style, charging down the track first ball and smashing Ngidi straight down the ground for a boundary. Ngidi responded by tightening his lines, conceding just a single thereafter, though Abhishek survived a close run-out chance when Aiden Markram’s airborne throw missed the stumps, leaving the batter relieved after nearly giving up mid-pitch.

Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman

South Africa wins the toss, opts to bowl first

The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium offers true bounce and good carry early on, while spinners come into play as the match progresses. Weather conditions in Ahmedabad are expected to remain clear.

Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Reeza Hendricks, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Tony de Zorzi, Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka.

Hello and welcome to the live blog of India vs South Africa 5th T20I. The final match of the series will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium and is the last chance for India to clinch the series.