South Africa Send Title Warning by Thrashing India by 76 Runs

South Africa sent a strong title warning at the start of the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, defeating defending champions India by 76 runs.

The match was a repeat of the 2024 final in Barbados, where India had won by seven runs. However, the script was different in Ahmedabad this time. Batting first, South Africa set India a target of 188.

The Proteas were under pressure early, losing three wickets for just 20 runs inside four overs. Captain Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton all departed for single-digit scores. David Miller and Dewald Brevis then rebuilt the innings with a crucial partnership.

Miller smashed 65 off 35 balls, while Brevis contributed 45 from 29 deliveries. Miller reached his half-century in just 26 balls. In the final overs, Tristan Stubbs added late momentum, scoring an unbeaten 44, including 20 runs off Hardik Pandya’s final over, to guide South Africa to 187-7.

In reply, India struggled from the outset. Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a duck in the first over, and three balls later Marco Jansen removed Tilak Varma. Slipping to 51-5 within 10 overs, India were effectively out of the contest.

Abhishek Sharma managed 15 before getting out, while captain Suryakumar Yadav also failed to make a significant impact. Keshav Maharaj struck decisively in the 15th over, taking three wickets to end India’s hopes. Jansen claimed two more wickets in the 19th over to finish with figures of 4-22, bowling India out for 111.

After winning all four of their group-stage matches, this defeat comes as a major setback for India. They must beat Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday to stay alive in the tournament. Meanwhile, South Africa will remain in Ahmedabad to face former champions West Indies on Wednesday.