In a high-stakes encounter that reshapes Group 1, South Africa gave a masterclass in clinical T20 cricket to beat India by 76 runs Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026. The Proteas dramatically snapped India’s 12-match winning streak in the 43rd match of the tournament at the famous Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (February 23).
Despite the sensational opening spell jasprit bumrahIndia’s batting line-up, which finished with 3 for 15 and became India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history, faltered under the pressure. Chasing a mammoth target of 188, the Men in Blue were bowled out for just 111 in 18.5 overs, leaving their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread.
Suryakumar Yadav explains where the game has moved away from India
After the crushing defeat, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was candid about the turning point of the match. Although the bowlers initially rattled South Africa at odds of 20/3, the Indian chase suffered an equally, if not more damaging, collapse.
“Sometimes you have to think you can’t win the game on the power play, but you can lose it. We lost a lot of wickets early and when you score more than 185, you need those small partnerships to keep the scoreboard ticking. We just didn’t have the partnerships we needed today. We could have fought betterSuryakumar said during the post-game presentation.
India’s highest order Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishiand Tilak Varmastruggled against his pace and bounce Marco Jansen22 for 4, which dismantles the series with numbers. By the time the powerplay ended, India were looking at a steep climb, unable to recover from the early loss of rhythm.
Also WATCH: Washington Sundar and David Miller engage in an explosive midfield clash during the IND vs SA Super 8 clash.
South Africa deliver a statement performance against India to secure a dominant victory
The description of the match was determined by how each team handled the average passes. After the initial flurry, South Africa found their heroes David Miller (35 off 63) and young Devald Brewis (29 off 45), who stitched together a 97 run partnership. This allowed recovery Tristan Stubbs Propelling Proteas for 187/7, ensuring late flowering.
Suryakumar admitted that although India started well with the ball, the game slipped between 7 and 15 overs. He “We were always in the game when we started. We batted very well at the start but at 7-15 they batted very well to take the game. We managed to get back towards the end, but the damage was done.“
He also praised Jansen and the South African bowling duo Good lucknoted their tactical discipline.
“Everyone knows that their combination is fatal. They play well in partnership, taking key wickets while keeping the run rate in check. Chasing on this surface required a more measured approach and gave us no room to breatheSuryakumar concluded.
With this loss, India’s Net Run Rate took a big hit and against their upcoming matches. Zimbabwe and West India must-win matches.
