India vs South Africa 5th T20I: Predicted Playing XIs

India and South Africa head into the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with everything still to play for. The series is evenly balanced, and both teams have a few selection calls to make before the decider.

India have had to tweak their plans because of late injury problems, while South Africa are expected to continue with the combination that has worked well for them so far.

India Predicted Playing XI

India suffered a setback after Shubman Gill was ruled out of the last two T20Is due to a toe injury. His absence is likely to see Sanju Samson return to the XI, with most reports suggesting he will open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma. The left-right opening pair could help India make the most of the powerplay overs.

The middle order is expected to stay the same, with Suryakumar Yadav continuing as captain. Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube give India both stability and hitting power, while Jitesh Sharma should keep his place as wicketkeeper and finisher.

On a flat Ahmedabad surface, India are likely to stick with a strong bowling unit. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh should lead the pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to handle spin duties. Shahbaz Ahmed and Washington Sundar are available, but most indications point towards India going in with an extra specialist bowler for the decider.

India Predicted XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.

South Africa Predicted Playing XI

South Africa enter the final match with no major injury worries and are expected to back a settled XI. Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock should open the innings, with skipper Aiden Markram batting in the top order.

Dewald Brevis and David Miller add firepower in the middle overs, while Donovan Ferreira strengthens the lower order. George Linde and Marco Jansen provide balance as all-rounders, contributing with both bat and ball.

In the bowling department, South Africa are likely to go with a three-man pace attack. Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi and Ottneil Baartman offer a good mix of pace, bounce and variations, which could be important under lights at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

South Africa Predicted XI:
Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman.

With the series on the line, a close and exciting finish is expected in Ahmedabad as both sides look to end the tour with a win.