India lost two early wickets in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with Sanju Samson scoring 37 off 22 balls and Abhishek Sharma making 34 off 21 deliveries. 

South Africa Captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bowl, setting the stage for a challenging run chase for the visitors. This match will decide the fate of the five-match series, with India currently leading 2-1 after the fourth T20I in Lucknow was abandoned due to heavy fog.

Sanju Samson replaced India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill in the Playing XI after Gill sustained a niggle during practice, ruling him out of the contest. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Gill’s unavailability at the toss. Samson’s inclusion brought fresh hope, but his dismissal early in the innings added pressure on India.

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The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to favor the batters early, though South Africa’s bowlers have started with disciplined line and length. With short square boundaries and a firm surface, every run will count in this series-decider.

Fans are eagerly watching the match as the series hangs in the balance. With both teams fielding strong line-ups, the contest promises high tension, big hits, and a thrilling finish as India looks to secure the series in front of a home crowd.

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