Ahmedabad, 23 February (|Sports Desk)
South Africa Thrash India by 76 Runs in T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight Clash – End India’s Winning Streak
In a dominant display at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad South Africa handed defending champions India a crushing 76-run defeat in their Super Eight Group 1 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This marked India’s first loss in the tournament, snapping their impressive 12-match unbeaten streak at T20 World Cups (dating back to 2024).
Key Match Details:
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Toss: South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first.
- South Africa Innings: 187/7 in 20 overs
- David Miller top-scored with a match-defining 63 off 35 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes, strike rate 180.00) – his aggressive knock revived the innings after SA slumped to 20/3 in the powerplay.
- Dewald Brevis provided solid support with 45 off 29 balls.
- Tristan Stubbs finished strongly with an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls (including two sixes in the final over).
- The pair’s 97-run stand between Miller and Brevis was crucial in turning the game around.
- India Innings: 111 all out in 18.5 overs (target 188)
- Shivam Dube was the top scorer with 42, but no other batter crossed 20.
- South Africa’s bowlers dominated: Marco Jansen took 4/22, while Keshav Maharaj claimed 3/24.
- Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh (2 wickets) provided early breakthroughs for India, but the middle order collapsed under pressure.
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Player of the Match: David Miller – for his explosive 63 off 35 balls that rescued South Africa from a precarious position and set up a defendable total. In his post-match comments, Miller said: “They are beatable… It’s about sticking to your strengths, not going into your shell. We’re a mature team – stay in your lane, get the job done, and keep wanting more.”
This emphatic win gave South Africa a strong start in the Super Eight stage, boosting their semi-final prospects, while India now face pressure to win their remaining matches to stay alive in the tournament. A clinical all-round performance from the Proteas – batting recovery followed by ruthless bowling – highlighted their maturity under pressure.
