Mullanpur will witness a historic evening on Thursday as it hosts its maiden men’s international cricket match, with India and South Africa – the finalists of the previous T20 World Cup – set to face off in chilly December conditions. The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, which delivered a mix of high-scoring games and tense low-scorers during the IPL, now steps onto the global stage with plenty of mystery around what the surface will offer.
Much like Chandigarh’s smog-filled air, expectations from Punjab’s newest international venue remain unclear. After India were tested on an unpredictable Cuttack surface in the series opener, another unfamiliar challenge awaits both teams, especially with fog and heavy dew forecast for the second innings. Fielding, visibility and ball-handling could all come under pressure.
Key concerns ahead of the World Cup prep
With the result of this bilateral contest holding little long-term value, the focus for both sides remains preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup – expected to be played on batting-friendly surfaces. India’s batting depth proved essential in Cuttack, and Hardik Pandya’s fluent return to international cricket was a major positive.
However, Suryakumar Yadav’s prolonged lean patch continues to dominate conversations. The Indian captain averaged just 15.07 in 16 T20Is this year, and another low score in the opener will add urgency to India’s search for answers. As a central figure in India’s World Cup plans, a return to form is eagerly awaited, and the team would welcome any sign of that on Thursday – even if locating answers in Chandigarh’s winter haze may not be easy.
Match details
When: Thursday, December 11, 2025 – 7:00 PM IST
Where: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
Conditions: Fog expected, dew likely; chasing side could gain advantage despite IPL numbers favouring teams batting first (4 of 6 wins.
