After the fog-hit anti-climax in Lucknow, the India vs South Africa T20I series heads to Ahmedabad for its final act, with much better conditions expected at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday. With India leading the series 2–1, the hosts have a chance to seal it 3–1, while South Africa will look to deny them that and end a long tour on a high.
Unlike the north Indian venues that hosted the previous games, Ahmedabad offers relief from winter disruptions. There is no threat of fog or extreme cold, and daytime temperatures are still touching the early 30s. Fans would be upbeat for an uninterrupted contest.
Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report: Runs on offer
The surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium is traditionally one of the better batting wickets in the country for T20 cricket. The pitch is hard and well-prepared, offering an even bounce that allows batters to play through the line with confidence. Powerplay overs are particularly important here, as the ball comes nicely onto the bat early on, rewarding teams that take calculated risks upfront. At the same time, seam movement can help seamers too.
As the match progresses, fast bowlers who hit the deck hard and rely on variations such as cutters and slower balls tend to find some success. However, this is not a surface that offers much natural assistance, and loose deliveries are likely to disappear quickly given the size of the outfield and quick running between the wickets. Spinners generally play a secondary role at this venue, often used to control the run rate rather than as primary wicket-taking options.
Dew is expected to be a factor in the evening, which could influence the toss. While last year’s IPL saw teams successfully defending totals in night games here, conditions can vary at this time of the year, and chasing may become easier once the ball gets wet. In the last T20I played here, India smashed 234 batting first against New Zealand and bowled them out for just 66. Overall, totals above 180 are competitive but not safe, and teams need to keep scoring through all phases.
With Jasprit Bumrah back in the side and a possible change at the top of the order for India, it would be an exciting 40-over affair.
Narendra Modi Stadium T20I Stats
| First T20 Match | 28/12/2012 |
| Last T20 Match | 01/02/2023 |
| Matches Played | 7 |
| Matches Won by Home Side | 5 (71.43%) |
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 2 (28.57%) |
| Matches Won Batting First | 4 (57.14%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 3 (42.86%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 4 (57.14%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 3 (42.86%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 126* Shubman Gill (India) Feb 2023 v NZ |
| Best Bowling | 4/16 Hardik Pandya (India) Feb 2023 v NZ |
| Highest Team Innings | 234/4 (India) Feb 2023 v NZ |
| Lowest Team Innings | 66 (New Zealand) Feb 2023 v IND |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 166/3 (India) March 2021 v ENG |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 30.06 |
| Average Runs per Over | 8.89 |
| Average Score Batting First | 183 |
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