The heavyweights collide in Ahmedabad, the Narendra Modi Stadium sets the stage for a blockbuster rematch of the 2024 Final. Both India and South Africa enter the Super 8s with unblemished records, having dominated their respective groups with four wins apiece.
While India’s path through Group A was defined by clinical bowling and a formidable +2.500 NRR, South Africa showed nerves of steel in Group D, surviving a double Super Over thriller against Afghanistan.
The Men in Blue are expected to make a tactical swap, bringing in local hero Axar Patel for Washington Sundar. Despite Abhishek Sharma’s recent struggle with three consecutive ducks, the management is likely to back the youngster’s explosive potential over a theoretical swap for Sanju Samson.
After resting key players in their dead rubber against UAE, the Proteas will revert to their full-strength lineup. The return of David Miller and Marco Jansen adds much-needed muscle, while the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram will look to exploit India’s left-heavy middle order.
IND vs SA: Ahmedabad Weather Forecast
Weather conditions in Ahmedabad for Sunday’s blockbuster Super 8 clash between India and South Africa are looking near-perfect. Current conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium show a temperature of 28°C with sunny skies and a light breeze coming from the northeast at 1 mph. The humidity is currently at 33% with a 0% chance of rain, ensuring no immediate threat to the start of play.
As the match progresses into the evening, the forecast remains favourable for a full 40-over contest. The daytime high is expected to reach 34°C before dipping to a low of 19°C tonight. The evening sky will be clear with a consistent 0% probability of precipitation. Winds are expected to shift slightly, coming from the northwest at 6 mph, which may offer some movement for the pacers under the lights. While the air remains dry with 29% humidity forecasted for the day, local reports suggest that dew typically settles in during the second innings at this venue, which could significantly impact the grip for spinners.
IND vs SA: Dew factor at the Narendra Modi Stadium
The dew factor is expected to be a major tactical headache for both captains tonight in Ahmedabad. As evening temperatures drop toward 19°C, heavy moisture typically settles on the Narendra Modi Stadium outfield during the second innings. This makes the ball significantly harder for spinners to grip, often neutralizing their turn and allowing the ball to skid onto the bat. Consequently, the chasing team gains a distinct advantage as the ball comes on faster and becomes difficult for pacers to control at the death, making the toss a potential game-changer.
IND vs SA: Toss Prediction
In Ahmedabad, the toss winner is highly likely to elect to bowl first, a decision underpinned by three tactical drivers specific to the Narendra Modi Stadium:
- The dew factor: Unlike the drier conditions in day, evening games in Ahmedabad during February are heavily influenced by significant dew. As temperatures plummet to 19°C, the outfield becomes slick, making it nearly impossible for spinners to grip the white ball. Captains will prefer to chase to ensure their bowlers operate with a dry ball while forcing the opposition to struggle with a wet cake in the second innings.
- Black-soil dynamics: The match will be played on a black-soil pitch, which traditionally offers a consistent, carpet-like bounce that favours stroke-making. While the surface might be slightly tacky initially, it tends to skid on better under lights. South Africa’s recent successful chase of 175 against New Zealand at this very venue proves that the deck becomes a batter’s paradise as the game goes late.
- Chasing success at night: While historical data shows a slight tilt toward teams batting first in Ahmedabad, recent T20 World Cup night fixtures have favoured the chasing side. With a lightning-fast outfield and high-scoring potential, both Suryakumar and Markram will likely back their explosive middle orders featuring finishers like Hardik Pandya and Miller to hunt down any target bolstered by the logistical advantage of chasing under the lights.
