India Defeat South Africa in Dominant Warm-up Match Ahead of World Cup

India registered a commanding victory in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by 30 runs on Wednesday at the DY Patil Stadium. Displaying dominance with both bat and ball, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan emerged as the standout performer in India’s win.

Ishan produced a blistering knock, scoring 53 runs off just 20 balls, an innings that included seven sixes and two fours. He shared a destructive 80-run opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma, changing the course of the match within the powerplay. Abhishek retired after scoring 24 off 17 balls, while Ishan also retired unbeaten after reaching his half-century, allowing both batters a final opportunity to bat in the match.

India posted a massive total of 241 for five in their allotted overs. In the middle order, Tilak Varma struck 45 off 19 deliveries, while Suryakumar Yadav contributed 30 off 16 balls. Vice-captain Axar Patel added 35 off 23 balls, and Hardik Pandya provided a late flourish with a fiery 30 off just 10 deliveries. Rinku Singh made 16 before being forced to leave the field after being struck on the helmet.

In reply, South Africa’s experimental opening pair failed to deliver. George Linde was dismissed for a duck by Arshdeep Singh, while Aiden Markram retired after scoring 38 runs. Ryan Rickelton top-scored for the Proteas with a brisk 44 off 21 balls, and Jason Smith chipped in with 35 off 23. Dewald Brevis failed to make an impact, but Tristan Stubbs offered resistance with an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls, including four sixes.

India used as many as nine bowlers to restrict South Africa to 210 for seven. Abhishek Sharma impressed with the ball as well, claiming two wickets for 32 runs in three overs. However, pacer Harshit Rana was forced to leave the field after bowling just one over due to discomfort.

India’s aggressive batting display, combined with disciplined bowling, ensured a confident 30-run victory in their final warm-up match ahead of the World cup.