Dana White and Donald Trump. Image via: Getty Images

President Donald Trump hypes up the unprecedented UFC fight at the White House as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Speaking during a video announcement outlining plans for 2026, Trump spotlighted the South Lawn as a future fight venue and gave a direct nod to UFC CEO Dana White. He framed the event as a global moment for combat sports and American pageantry.The proposed bout, set for Flag Day on June 14, also coincides with Trump’s birthday. It would mark the first sporting event of its kind ever held at the White House. The announcement arrived alongside a broader rollout of “Freedom 250,” a multi-week slate of events designed to commemorate the nation’s founding with scale.

Donald Trump unveils UFC White House fight plans

Donald Trump described the UFC showcase in sweeping terms. He promised elite competition under an iconic backdrop. “We’ll have one of a kind UFC event here at the White House. It’ll be greatest champions in the world, all fighting that same night. The great Dana White is hosting and it’s gonna be something special but all of this is just a beginning. 2026 will be a celebration of America,” Trump said.The president has long aligned himself with the UFC and its fan base. He frequently attended events and maintained a close relationship with White.

Dana White role highlights scale of Freedom 250 celebrations

The UFC event sits within a packed schedule stretching from late June through early July 2026. According to the White House, Freedom 250 will include a Spirit of America parade honoring fallen soldiers, a Great American State Fair featuring all 50 states, and a massive fireworks display on the National Mall billed as the largest in the world.Trump also announced the launch of the Patriot Games, a four-day athletic competition featuring top high school athletes from every state and territory. “Frankly, you’ll never see anything like it and you’ll never see anything like it again,” Trump said while promoting the scope of the festivities.Beyond events, the president highlighted major construction initiatives tied to the anniversary, including plans for a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Trump emphasized that these projects, like the UFC fight, are intended to leave a lasting mark. “All of this is just the beginning. 2026 will be a celebration of America like no other,” he said.Dana White is set to host, and the South Lawnis poised to transform into an octagon setting. The UFC White House fight has quickly become one of the most talked-about elements of Trump’s anniversary vision.Also Read: Boos rain down on Jake Paul at Anthony Joshua weigh-in before final face-off

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has directed the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to expand efforts to revoke US citizenship from foreign-born naturalized Americans, setting internal targets of referring 100 to 200 denaturalization cases per month to the Justice Department in fiscal 2026, according to internal guidance reported this week. The directive represents a significant escalation of a legal tool that has historically been used sparingly and only in narrow circumstances.The guidance, issued to USCIS field offices this week, instructs officials to prioritize individuals who “unlawfully obtained US citizenship” through fraud during the naturalization process. A June 2025 Justice Department memo elevated denaturalization to one of the department’s top enforcement priorities, highlighting targets such as gang members, drug cartel affiliates, financial fraudsters, and violent criminals.

But immigration advocates fear an overreach given the rising anti-immigrant sentiment in MAGA circles and the allocation of quotas, with citizens from Mexico, India, Vietnam, Philippines, who account for a large number of naturalized Americans, in the cross hairs. Mexico topped the list in 2023 and 2024, accounting for 107,700 and 111,460 naturalized Americans respectively, while India stood second with 49,700 and 59,050 naturalisations in the past two years. In all, the US has about 26 million naturalized Americans, with up to a million qualifying foreign -born immigrants taking up US citizenship each year. Denaturalization—the revocation of citizenship obtained through naturalization by immigrants —is permitted under federal law only when the government can prove that citizenship was obtained through material fraud or misrepresentation, concealment of key facts, or involvement in specific disqualifying conduct such as terrorism or war crimes. The burden of proof is high, requiring the government to present “clear, unequivocal, and convincing” evidence in federal court.Historically, denaturalization has been rare. From 1990 to 2017, the United States averaged about 11 denaturalization cases per year. During President Trump’s first term, the government filed just over 100 cases across four years, compared with 24 cases under the Biden administration. In 2025, the Justice Department has pursued 13 cases, winning eight. Under the new guidance, however, USCIS would refer as many as 2,400 cases annually, a scale far exceeding past practice.Administration officials defend the move as a necessary step to protect the integrity of citizenship. USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said the agency’s “war on fraud” includes prioritizing denaturalization for individuals who lied or misrepresented themselves, particularly under prior administrations. Supporters also argue the government has long underenforced existing law. Critics, including former USCIS officials and immigrant rights advocates, warn that imposing numerical targets risks politicizing a grave legal remedy. Sarah Pierce, a former USCIS policy official, called the quotas “arbitrary numerical targets” that could turn a “serious and rare tool into a blunt instrument.” Amanda Baran, a former senior USCIS official under President Biden, said citizenship is “too precious and fundamental to our democracy” to be treated with an enforcement metric.Civil liberties groups have raised concerns that quotas could lead to mistakes and overreach. Margy O’Herron of the Brennan Center for Justice warned that high-volume targets, similar to those seen in deportation efforts, could result in errors and generate fear among naturalized citizens. Immigration advocates also say the policy could have a chilling effect, creating a two-tier citizenship and reshaping how secure citizenship feels for millions of Americans born abroad.

Brisbane Heat host Perth Scorchers in the 6th match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at The Gabba, Brisbane, on December 19, 2025. Both teams enter this early-season clash with strong squads featuring international firepower and domestic stars. Expect a high-scoring contest on a venue known for favouring batters.​

Colin Munro leads a potent top order with Jack Wildermuth‘s explosive starts and Matt Renshaw‘s reliability. Shaheen Shah Afridi bolsters the pace attack alongside Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, while all-rounders like Michael Neser add depth. Their squad blends experience with youth for home advantage.

Ashton Turner captains a pace-heavy unit with Mitchell Marsh‘s all-round prowess and Finn Allen‘s aggressive opening. Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, and David Payne form a lethal seam attack, supported by Aaron Hardie and Ashton Agar. They boast title-winning pedigree and power-hitting depth.

Perth Scorchers hold the edge, winning 16 of 24 BBL meetings against Brisbane Heat’s 8. Recent clashes have been tight, with Scorchers prevailing in the last two by 33 and 35 runs. Brisbane’s home record at The Gabba could swing momentum.​

BH vs PS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 19 (Friday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 6:15 pm Local
• Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
• Head-to-Head Record in BBL: Matches played: 24 | Brisbane Heat won: 08 | Perth Scorchers won: 16 | No result/Tied: 0

The Gabba Pitch Report

The Gabba in Brisbane promises a batter-friendly pitch for the Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers BBL 2025-26 clash, with its true bounce and short boundaries aiding high scores—average first innings around 163 in T20s. Early seam movement and extra pace favor quick bowlers during powerplay, but the surface flattens under lights, suiting aggressive strokeplay. Teams chasing have won recent night games here, with dew likely playing a role; expect 170+ totals if batters settle. Pacers must strike early, while spinners could control middle overs on this lively yet forgiving deck.

Also READ: BBL|15: Jamie Overton helps Adelaide Strikers edge past Sydney Sixers by 3 wickets in a thrilling contest

Squads

Brisbane Heat: Usman Khawaja (c), Colin Munro, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tom Alsop, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth, Spencer Johnson

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Turner (c), Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Sam Fanning, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, David Payne, Mahli Beardman

BH vs PS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Brisbane Heat wins the toss and bowls first
• Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Perth Scorchers’ total score: 170-180

Case 2:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
• Brisbane Heat’s powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Brisbane Heat’s total score: 160-170

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: BBL 2025-26: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch the Big Bash League in Australia, India, USA, UK & other countries

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the next 24 hours, warning of dense to very dense fog across large parts of north India, even as air quality in the national capital and surrounding regions remained in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category on Friday.According to the IMD, very dense fog is likely to prevail over Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with Uttar Pradesh also expected to witness a very cold day. Dense to extremely dense fog has been forecast across Punjab, Uttarakhand and Bihar on December 19 and 20, and over Uttar Pradesh and Haryana during the early morning hours. The weather agency said fog conditions are likely to persist for the next two to three days, raising concerns over reduced visibility, travel delays and road safety.

Airport authorities said flight operations were impacted through the day, with 79 departures cancelled, including two international flights, and 73 arrivals cancelled, including two international services. Passengers have been advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport. In Delhi, hazardous air conditions continued, with thick smog blanketing several areas, including Anand Vihar. The Commission for Air Quality Management activated all measures under GRAP Stage IV across Delhi-NCR to curb rising pollution levels.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the Air Quality Index at 442 in Ghazipur, 409 in ITO and 447 in Palam, placing these areas in the ‘severe’ category. The city’s overall AQI stood at 330 at 7.47 am, while earlier readings showed levels as high as 358 during the morning hours. At around 8 am, Delhi’s overall AQI was recorded at 387, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.Authorities advised residents, particularly children, the elderly and people with respiratory ailments, to limit outdoor exposure as pollution continued to pose serious health risks.Dense fog also disrupted aviation operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, with flights being operated under CAT III conditions, leading to multiple delays. Delhi International Airport said low visibility was affecting flight schedules.“Dense fog is impacting flight schedules, and operations are currently under CAT III conditions. Our on-ground teams are working in close coordination with all stakeholders to assist passengers and provide necessary support across all terminals. For real-time flight updates, please reach out to your respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding,” the airport said in a statement.CAT III is a category of the Instrument Landing System that allows aircraft to land in extremely low visibility conditions and requires advanced equipment and specialised pilot training.IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, saying early-morning fog in Delhi and across parts of northern India was disrupting flight operations. “Early-morning fog in Delhi and across parts of northern India is reducing visibility and disrupting flight operations. We seek your understanding, as this is a seasonal occurrence, and flight movements are being managed accordingly to ensure safe and orderly operations. Customers travelling in the early hours may experience delays or revised timings. We recommend checking the latest flight status prior to leaving for the airport, goindigo.in/flight-status,” the airline said in a post on X.“Our teams are actively monitoring weather conditions and coordinating with air traffic authorities. Wherever possible, we are making operational adjustments to minimise inconvenience and ensure customer support remains available across all key touchpoints. We will keep you informed and get you on your way as soon as conditions permit,” the post added.On Thursday, 15 out of 40 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi recorded ‘severe’ pollution levels. Anand Vihar reported the highest AQI at 441, falling under the ‘severe-plus’ category, while 24 stations logged ‘very poor’ air quality, according to CPCB’s SAMEER app.As per official classification, AQI levels between 401 and 500 are considered ‘severe’, while readings above 300 indicate ‘very poor’ air quality.Data from the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management showed transport as the largest contributor to Delhi’s pollution at 18.3 per cent, followed by industries at 9.2 per cent. Residential sources contributed 4.5 per cent, construction activities 2.5 per cent, waste burning 1.6 per cent, road dust 1.3 per cent, other sectors 1.2 per cent and power generation around 1.2 per cent.Pollution from neighbouring NCR districts also added to Delhi’s air quality woes, with Jhajjar contributing 12.3 per cent, Sonipat 8.8 per cent, Rohtak 4.8 per cent, Jind 3.1 per cent, Bhiwani 1.4 per cent and Gurugram 1.1 per cent.Meanwhile, the IMD urged people to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel during foggy conditions and stay updated with local advisories over the next few days.

Varun Chakravarthy (PTI Photo)

LUCKNOW: From the wilderness of being branded a “one-season wonder” after the 2021 T20 World Cup to standing atop the summit of world cricket as the undisputed No. 1 ranked T20I bowler, Varun Chakravarthy’s journey has been nothing short of cinematic. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!As the Indian team gears up for its title defense at the T20 World Cup in Feb-March 2026, the 34-year-old mystery spinner is no longer just an option; he is the most vital cog in the wheel, the banker captain Suryakumar Yadav turns to when the game hangs in the balance. His recent exploits in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa have only solidified this status, propelling him to a career-best ICC rating of 818 points. To put his dominance into perspective, Varun now holds a staggering 119-point lead over his nearest rival, New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy. Even more striking is Varun’s entry into elite territory — eighth on the all-time list of best T20I bowling ratings, placing him among T20 greats like Umar Gul, Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan.

This statistical supremacy is the fruit of a spectacular redemption arc. Since his return to the national fold in October 2024, Varun has been nothing short of a revelation. The “mystery” tag, which once seemed like a burden during his indifferent debut years, has now matured into “mastery”. What makes Varun’s impact particularly valuable to India is the duality of his role. He is not merely a holding bowler tasked with stifling run flow in the middle overs; he is often India’s primary wicket-taking threat when matches threaten to slip.

In 2025 alone, he has been a serial wicket-taker, a trait that separates him from the defensive spinners of the past. In just 17 innings, Varun has snapped up 32 wickets at a staggering average of 13.18, conceding runs at a miserly economy of 6.69 while striking every 11.8 balls. His most telling performance came in January at Rajkot, where he tore through England’s batting with a match-defining spell of 5 for 24. The secret, as teammates and analysts point out, lies not in mystery alone but in controlled, layered variation. He bowls at markedly different speeds within the same over, sometimes rolling his fingers at under 90 kmph before firing one at nearly 110. His carrom ball, slider and top-spinner are released with near-identical actions, making premeditation hazardous.

“He has got something different about him… if he gets it right, it’s very difficult to read him,” former India skipper Rohit Sharma had said about Varun. Unlike many modern spinners who rely heavily on matchups, Varun has shown he can operate against both right and left-handers with tactical ease. What makes Varun indispensable to India’s World Cup defense is the unique technical headache he poses to opposition analysis teams. Unlike traditional leg-spinners who release the googly from the back of the hand, Varun delivers both his leg-break and his googly from the side of the hand. This biomechanical quirk denies the batter the primary visual cue needed to pick the direction of the spin. Furthermore, he has added a lethal new dimension to his game: the ability to land his googly with significant over-spin. His deliveries dip sharply and skid off the surface, targeting the stumps and removing the batter’s reaction time. It is no coincidence that a high percentage of his wickets have been bowled or LBW. He takes the pitch out of the equation, making him effective even on the flat tracks that ICC tournaments often produce. “He is a game-changer. He brings an X-factor for us. He has been playing for so many years, but he’s still able to hold his own,” coach Gautam Gambhir had said. The Indian think-tank, led by Surya and Gambhir, is acutely aware of his value. There is a reason why Ravichandran Ashwin recently advised the management to “save” Varun for the big games. The logic is sound: the less exposure top teams get to his variations in bilateral games, the more potent he will be in the high-pressure knockout games of a World Cup. He provides the team with a tactical flexibility that is irreplaceable. With Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh handling the pace duties at the start and death, Varun owns the middle overs — the phase where T20 games are often won or lost.

Bangladesh witnessed widespread unrest overnight on Thursday after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader and vocal critic of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, triggering violent protests in parts of Dhaka and attacks on major media houses.Hadi, 32, died at a hospital in Singapore on Thursday, where he had been undergoing advanced treatment after being shot by masked assailants on a motorbike on December 12. He was attacked while riding in a rickshaw and was later airlifted abroad for medical care.

The shooting had taken place just a day after Bangladeshi authorities announced a date for the country’s first elections since the 2024 uprising, elections that Hadi was planning to contest as an independent candidate.

Protests turn violent, journalists trapped inside burning offices

As news of Hadi’s death spread late Thursday and early Friday, hundreds of his supporters poured onto the streets of Dhaka demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible for the killing.At least three incidents of arson were reported in the capital, including fires at buildings housing Bangladesh’s leading newspapers: The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, a spokesperson for the Fire Brigade and Civil Defence force told AFP.Groups of protesters stormed the offices of both newspapers, vandalising the premises before setting parts of the buildings on fire. Journalists and staff were trapped inside as smoke filled the offices.Zyma Islam, a reporter for The Daily Star, described the ordeal as she remained trapped inside the burning building. “I can’t breathe anymore. There’s too much smoke. I am inside. You are killing me,” she wrote on Facebook. The fire at The Daily Star office was brought under control at around 1.40 am, officials said, but 27 employees were still inside at the time. “We took refuge at the rear of the building and could hear them chanting slogans,” Daily Star reporter Ahmed Deepto told AFP, referring to the protesters.A journalist told bdnews24 that staff had received a phone call warning them that a crowd was moving towards the newspaper’s premises. When newsroom employees tried to move downstairs, they found that the mob had already vandalised the lower floors before setting them on fire. Night-shift staff reportedly fled to the terrace to save their lives.At least 25 journalists were rescued over four hours following the attack at the Kawran Bazar office, bdnews24 reported. Firefighters rescued people using ladders, while army contingents were later deployed around the buildings.“Hundreds of people have gathered here and carried out the attack,” a police officer told BBC Bangla. Troops were later deployed to secure the area. Witnesses said protesters first vandalised the Prothom Alo office before setting fire to The Daily Star building. It remained unclear why the two outlets, both known for their passive support for interim leader Muhammad Yunus, were targeted.In a televised address, Yunus announced special prayers at mosques on Friday and declared a day of mourning on Saturday. “Hadi’s demise is an irreparable loss for the nation,” Yunus said, urging protesters to remain calm.

Why the unrest matters for India?

The violence spilled beyond media houses.Hundreds of protesters surrounded the residence of India’s deputy ambassador in Dhaka, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd, according to local media reports.Protesters also blocked a key highway leading out of the capital, attacked the residence of a former minister in Chittagong, and vandalised Chhayanaut, a cultural institution in Dhaka.Large crowds gathered at Shahbagh intersection near Dhaka University, chanting slogans such as ” Who are you, who am I – Hadi, Hadi.” According to AFP, student groups including Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and the National Citizen Party (NCP) joined the demonstrations. NCP leaders alleged that Hadi’s attackers had fled to India and called for the closure of the Indian High Commission until they were returned. “The interim government, until India returns assassins of Hadi Bhai, the Indian High Commission to Bangladesh will remain closed. Now or Never. We are in a war!,” said NCP leader Sarjis Alm, AFP reported.Amid the turmoil, a parliamentary standing committee on external affairs warned that India faces its most serious strategic challenge in Bangladesh since the 1971 Liberation War.The committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, said the evolving political and security situation, marked by rising Islamist influence, weakening political institutions, and growing involvement of China and Pakistan, poses a long-term challenge to regional stability.“India faces its greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since the Liberation war of 1971,” the report said, adding that while the threat is not immediately existential, it signals a generational shift in Bangladesh’s political order and a “potential strategic realignment away from India.

Panaji: Officials from four Indian Super League (ISL) clubs will camp in Delhi next week to liaison with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and come up with a workable solution that will ensure that this season does not conclude without a top tier league being held.The sports ministry suggested that the four officials represent different zones, so Dhruv Sood (Delhi FC), Mandar Tamhane (NorthEast United FC), Kandarp Chandra (Mumbai City) and Ekansh Gupta (Chennaiyin FC) volunteered to base themselves in Delhi next week and make some headway on a fresh proposal.In previous communication with the AIFF, the clubs had suggested they form a consortium to jointly organise the league, provided the constitution was amended and rights transferred. The new constitution approved by the Supreme Court, states that the top tier league should be owned and operated by the federation, and even though clubs have been pushing for amendments, things are unlikely to change during the general body meeting on Dec 20.AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey told the clubs that they are still waiting for directions from the Supreme Court after Justice Nageswara Rao, chairman of the bid evaluation committee, submitted his report to the apex court and detailed his reasons why the federation’s bid for commercial rights of the top league did not find any takers.“Justice Rao has said there has to be a structured balance between the AIFF’s authority and the interest of commercial partners. Now, the court is yet to come with their opinion or judgement. This cannot happen overnight. It will be difficult for us to amend the constitution at this AGM. This matter is sub-judice,” said Chaubey, adding that the new general body comprising 58 members will need 75% majority to amend any clause.Top tier clubs, including ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, said they are fine organising the league in the short term but needed a “guiding framework” where everyone knows of the long-term solution.“We cannot start the league (this season) without knowing what will happen in the long term,” said another official.It is now increasingly clear that the top league would be a truncated one, not starting before February, and possibly played at select venues. The clubs asked the AIFF to communicate with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and seek relaxation on its minimum criteria of 24 official matches, so that the champions are eligible to participate in Asian competitions.East Bengal was the only club not in favour of organising the league, a responsibility the Kolkata giants felt should be left with the governing body.“We are willing to participate in all tournaments, but as far as owning the league is concerned, we are not in favour,” said the official representing the club. “I differ a bit with other clubs, but, of course, I echo the same voice that a long-term solution should be there.”

The five-match T20 International series between India and South Africa reaches its grand finale at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After the fourth T20I in Lucknow was unfortunately abandoned without a ball bowled due to excessive fog, the series remains poised at 2-1 in favour of India. This sets the stage for a high-stakes series decider where the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will look to clinch the trophy with a final win, while the Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, have a golden opportunity to level the series and finish the tour on a high note.

IND vs SA, 5th T20I: Match Details

• Date and Time: December 19 (Friday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm LOCAL
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Head-to-Head Record (T20Is): India leads the overall head-to-head with 18 wins against South Africa’s 12 wins, with two matches ending in a no-result following the recent washout in Lucknow.

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report

The Narendra Modi Stadium features a vast playing area with a mixture of red and black soil pitches, typically offering something for everyone. In T20Is, the surface is generally batting-friendly with true bounce, allowing batters to play their shots freely once settled. However, the sheer size of the boundaries means that spinners and pacers with good variations can be very effective in the middle overs. During this winter window, the pitch can hold a bit of moisture, which might slightly aid the seamers early on. Dew is expected to be a significant factor in the second innings, making the toss crucial; the captain winning it will likely elect to bowl first to take advantage of better batting conditions under the lights.

India vs South Africa: Team dynamics and key players

India: The hosts enter the finale with the psychological advantage of the series lead. Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma have been the standout performers with the bat, while the bowling unit has been exceptional. Varun Chakravarthy continues to be the X-factor with his mystery spin, leading the wicket-tally for India. The team will be hoping for a big score from captain Suryakumar Yadav, who is due for a signature performance. The return of Jasprit Bumrah, who rejoined the squad in Lucknow, adds immense firepower to the death-bowling department.

South Africa: For the Proteas, this is a must-win game to avoid a series defeat. Their batting relies heavily on the explosive power of Quinton de Kock and the finishing abilities of David Miller. Skipper Aiden Markram showed glimpses of form in Dharamsala and will need to lead from the front. The pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi has been disciplined, but they will need their spinners, particularly Keshav Maharaj, to step up and contain the Indian hitters in the massive Ahmedabad outfield.

Also READ: ‘Sold three sacks of wheat to watch the match’: Heartbroken fans demand full refund after India vs South Africa 4th T20I gets called off due to excessive fog in Lucknow

IND vs SA, 5th T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• India wins the toss and bowls first
• South Africa powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• South Africa total score: 165-180

Case 2:

• South Africa wins the toss and bowls first
• India powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• India total score: 175-190

Match result: India to win the contest

Also READ: IPL 2026: Who is Prashant Veer? The ‘next Ravindra Jadeja’ for CSK