The five-match series has been shifted Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala for the third T20 match, after this the series is tied at 1-1. South Africa’s victory in the last matchE. This beautiful, high-altitude venue is renowned for its fast outfield, extra bounce and dramatic conditions, promising a different challenge than the Mullanpur track.
Historically, the ground has provided an even contest between bat and ball, with the average first innings score in the T20 format often ranging between 137–152, although recent IPL games have seen scores cross 200, indicating the potential for high-scoring matches. The pitch is known to provide good carry for fast bowlers, facilitating early seam movement, but the actual bounce once the batsmen are set also favors fluent strokeplay.
IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Dharamshala Weather Forecast
The match on Sunday, December 14, 2025 is expected to be played in cool conditions, with temperatures ranging between a maximum of 14 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 9 degrees Celsius during the evening. While high altitude weather is unstable, current forecasts predict generally clear skies with little chance of rain (some sources suggest a slight chance of light drizzle). The cool, crisp December air at this altitude (about 1,300–1,450 metres) is ideal for spectators but challenging for players to get to grips with. The main weather concern remains the dew factor rather than rain interruptions, ensuring that a complete match is likely.
India vs South Africa, 3rd T20I: Dew Factor
The significant altitude of the HPCA Stadium, combined with the typical cool December evenings, causes heavy amounts of dew after sunset. This dew is expected to be a major game-changer, making the ball wetter, slicker and more difficult for the bowlers to grip in the second innings. The wet ball skids extremely fast on the outfield, making it easier to hit across the line and give boundaries, which helps the chasing team. This effect neutralizes the threat of both spinners and fast bowlers towards the end of the game, increasing the advantage for the team batting second, a characteristic seen here in high altitude night games.
India vs South Africa, 3rd T20I: Toss Prediction
Captain will probably choose this one bowl first On winning the toss for these main reasons:
- Benefits of dew: Significant evening dew makes bowling in the second innings extremely difficult, significantly increasing the team’s chances of having to bat in the second innings.
- HPCA History: Although T20I wins are slightly balanced, the frequent presence of heavy dew suggests that the team chasing is highly favored in a night game at this venue.
- Initial Advantages of Pacer: Bowling first allows the pace attack to take advantage of the extra bounce and potential seam/swing provided by the pitch with the hard, dry new ball before the dew settles.
- Rest in Batting: The high altitude pitch provides real bounce and a fast outfield which is ideal for stroke making, especially when the ball is wet and skidding later in the match.
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