the road to T20 World Cup 2026 Officially ignited as champion on February 4, 2026 India opposed South Africa In a high-octane warm-up clash at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. While practice matches are often treated as mere dress rehearsals, this match felt like a statement of intent. India’s batting juggernaut was revived, led by Ishan KishiDestroyed the Proteas’ bowling attack for 240/6 to secure a comfortable 30-run victory.
However, the highlight of the night wasn’t just the scoreline, but a moment of pure, chaotic brilliance from Kishan as he left the speedster. Anrich Nortje in a state of complete disbelief.
An incredible mishit by Ishan Kisha against Anrich Nortje sets sail for a six
The Powerplay’s defining moment came in race five, delivered by Nortje’s blistering pace. Nortje, who was already overstepping the bounds, tried to push Kisha back with a rib-tickling 145km/h. What followed was one of the strangest yet impressive shots ever witnessed at the Navi Mumbai location.
As the ball roared towards his head, Kishan instinctively tried to get out of harm’s way. But in a desperate attempt to protect itself, the bat remained high and upright. At the last microsecond, the ball kissed the face of the blade. Instead of a standard defensive block or a painful shot on the shoulder, the ball gathered the full force of Nortje’s pace and slid at top speed over the short fine leg boundary.
The comment box exploded in confusion and asked: “How did that get to six!?” Even Kishan shared a smug smile with his partner, Abhishek SharmaNortje froze at the top of her mark. That “freak” mishit was part of a brutal sequence – 6, 6, 4, 6 – in which Kishan scored 29 runs and effectively settled the dispute over India’s opening spot for the tournament opener. Kishan eventually retired to score 53 off just 20 balls, which included seven powerful sixes.
We present the video:
When you’re in shape, everything goes your way!😮💨
ICC Men #T20WorldCup | Warm-up match | 👉 #INDvSA | NOW LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/KpRezrTaFe pic.twitter.com/51Mr18qE1g
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 4, 2026
Clinical India dominate despite South African resistance in warm-up clash
With a mammoth target of 241, South Africa’s chase was always going to be an uphill battle against an Indian side playing at home. Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (44) provided some early fireworks, keeping in view the speed required during the initial shots. However, India’s strategic depth proved too much.
Turn the twins Varun Chakraborty and Abhishek (2/32) stifled the middle order by taking key wickets as the Proteas began to find their rhythm. Tristan Stubbs Smashing 45 off 21 balls, he provided some late-innings drama, but the deficit created by India’s top order was insurmountable. South Africa completed their 20 overs at 210/7, 30 runs behind.
The win not only boosts India’s confidence as they prepare to defend their crown, but also confirms that the Kishan-Abhishek partnership is ready to take the world stage by storm.
Also READ: From Virat Kohli to Babar Azam: Leading run-scorers in every edition of the T20 World Cup
