IND vs SA, 1st T20I: Indias T20 record in Cuttack

New Delhi: After the exhilarating Test and ODI series, India and South Africa are ready to face off in the tour-concluding T20I leg. The first match of the five-Test series begins on December 9 at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.

India come into the series on the back of a remarkable run. Since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, India have only lost 4 T20Is and have won all six bilateral series (26 wins, four defeats) since the historic win in the Americas.

On top of that, India have not lost a T20I series against South Africa in a decade, with their last defeat against the Proteas coming way back in 2015. India's most famous win against the Rainbow Nation during this period came in the 2024 World Cup final, when the Asian giants pulled off a thrilling win to claim their second T20 world title.

While a lot of time has passed since that memorable match, South Africa would still be feeling the agony of the heartbreaking loss, especially when they face India in a T20 match.

However, their record against the Men in Blue at the Barabati Stadium, venue of the opening T20I, would give them some hope.

Both teams have faced each other twice at this venue, and South Africa, remarkably, have won on both occasions.

The home side, which lost by six wickets in 2015 and by four wickets in 2022, will be aiming to avoid a hat-trick of losses when they take the field under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav on Tuesday.

The Barabati Stadium has hosted only three T20I matches. With one win and two losses, India have an unfavourable record at this venue.

The pitch at this venue is known for providing help to the spinners, especially in the middle overs. There will be assistance for the fast bowlers with the new ball, but the bowlers might face issues in the second innings due to dew.