Heavyweights clash in Ahmedabad, setting the stage for a blockbuster rematch of the Narendra Modi Stadium 2024 Final. Both of them India and South Africa Enter the Super 8s with unblemished records, topping their group with four wins each.
While India’s path through Group A was defined by clinical bowling and a mammoth +2,500 NRR, South Africa showed nerves of steel in Group D and survived a double Super Over thriller. Afghanistan.
The men in blue are expected to make a tactical swap by bringing in local hero Axar Patel for Washington Sundar. Despite Abhishek Sharma’s recent struggle with three consecutive ducks, the management will back the youngster’s explosive potential over a theoretical exchange for Sanju Samson.
After resting the main players against their dead rubber UAEThe Proteas will return to a full strength squad. The return of David Miller and Marco Jansen adds much-needed muscle, while the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram will look to exploit India’s left-heavy middle order.
IND vs SA: Ahmedabad Weather Forecast
Weather conditions in Ahmedabad look almost perfect for Sunday’s blockbuster Super 8 clash between India and South Africa. Current conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium show a temperature of 28°C with sunny skies and a light northeasterly breeze of 1 mph. The humidity is currently at 33% and there is no immediate threat for the game to start with a 0% chance of rain.
As the match progresses into the evening, the forecast remains favorable for a full 40 over. It is expected that the highest temperature will reach 34°C during the day, and it will drop to a minimum of 19°C tonight. The evening sky will be clear, with a 0% chance of precipitation. A northwesterly 6 mph wind is expected to shift slightly, which could offer some movement for the pacers under the lights. Although it remains dry with 29% humidity forecast for the day, local reports indicate that dew usually settles during the second innings at this venue, which can significantly affect the spinners’ grip.
IND vs SA: Dew factor at Narendra Modi Stadium
The dew factor is expected to be a major tactical headache for both captains in Ahmedabad tonight. As the evening temperature drops to 19°C, the second innings usually sees heavy humidity on the sidelines of the Narendra Modi Stadium. This makes it much harder for spinners to catch the ball, often neutralizing their turn and allowing the ball to slip into the bat. Consequently, the chasing team gets a distinct advantage as the ball comes in faster and the pacers find it difficult to control at the death, making the shot a potential game changer.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Varun Aaron names India’s biggest threat in Super 8s vs South Africa
IND vs SA: Toss Prediction
In Ahmedabad, the toss winner is more likely to elect to bowl first, a decision supported by three tactical drivers unique to the Narendra Modi Stadium:
- Dew factor: Unlike the drier daytime conditions, evening games in Ahmedabad in February are heavily affected by significant dew. As the temperature drops to 19°C, the pitch becomes slippery, making it almost impossible for the spinners to catch the white ball. Captains will prefer to chase to ensure their bowlers work with the dry ball while forcing the opposition to struggle with the wet cake in the second innings.
- Black soil dynamics: The match will be played on a black clay pitch that traditionally offers a consistent, carpet-like bounce that favors batting. Although the surface is a bit sticky at first, it tends to glide better under the lights. South Africa’s last successful chase of 175 New Zealand It is in this space that the deck proves to be a batter’s paradise as the game progresses.
- Chasing Success Overnight: While the historical data shows a slight bias towards the teams batting first in Ahmedabad, the recent T20 World Cup night fixtures have favored the chasing side. Suryakumar and Markram, with a lightning-quick outfield and high scoring potential, are likely to bolster their explosive middle order. Hardik Pandya and Miller to hunt down any target supported by the logistical advantage of chasing under lights.
