India And South Africa face off in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, with the weather expected to play a subtle but decisive role in the series opener.
India bounced back win the three-match ODI series after being whitewashed during the two-match test phase.
Weather forecast for Cuttack
Fans can expect a pleasant but cool evening as the match begins under cloudy skies.
Key game day weather highlights:
- Temperature: 18-20°C at first, dropping to 14-16°C later at night, creating a cool, crisp playing environment.
- Chance of rain: Extremely low, between 0 and 10%, meaning that a 40+ event seems almost certain.
- Humidity: Moderate levels between 45 and 60% which, combined with Cuttack’s coastal air, often accelerates the formation of dew after sunset.
- Wind: Light breezes around 7-8 km/h, not strong enough to reduce surface humidity once dew sets in.
Overall, the weather does not pose a threat for the rest of the match, but the atmospheric conditions should tip the scales between the two rounds.
Dew factor
At Barabati Stadium, dew is traditionally one of the main influencing factors during night matches, often dictating strategy from the start.
How could dew impact the match?
The outfield and playing surface are expected to become noticeably damp after the first 8 to 10 overs of the second innings.
A wet ball will make it difficult for bowlers to execute slower cuts, grab the seam or land consistent lengths – particularly troubling for spinners and death-overs specialists.
Hitters benefit from the sliding ball, which hits the bat more cleanly and reduces lateral movement, making stroke play much easier.
Defending totals becomes difficult, even above average, as captains struggle to control bowlers whose grip is compromised by humidity.
The last few T20 matches in Cuttack have shown a marked trend: when dew is plentiful, teams batting second enjoy a distinct advantage, often chasing down big targets with overs to spare.
Also READ: IND vs SA, 1st T20I – Cuttack Pitch Report, Stats and Records from Barabati Stadium
Throw Prediction
With dew considered a major factor, analysts agree that the draw will play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.
Reasons why captains should prefer bowling first:
- The early overs offer drier conditions, giving bowlers better control and swing.
- Running under the lights is widely considered easier at Barabati when the ball is skidding.
- Data from previous white ball matches on this site shows a higher winning percentage for teams that run when dew is heavy.
- A minimal rain threat eliminates the risk of DLS complications that sometimes accompany pursuit in uncertain weather.
Considering these factors, choosing to play first is considered the safest and most strategic decision for opening the series.
Also READ: IND vs SA, 1st T20I, Match Prediction – Who will win between India and South Africa?
