South Africa Dominates India in Super 8 Opener at Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD — The Indian cricket team’s unbeaten run in T20 World Cups came to an abrupt halt on Sunday as South Africa delivered a comprehensive 76-run defeat in the Super 8 stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a target of 188, the defending champions collapsed under the pressure of the 90,000-strong home crowd, managing just 111 runs in 18.5 overs.

This loss marks the end of India’s 12-match winning streak, a run that stretched back to their title victory in the Caribbean in 2024. The defeat exposes significant cracks in the batting order and raises questions regarding team selection as the tournament progresses.

Top Order Collapse Derails Chase

India’s pursuit of 188 never gained momentum. The hosts were reduced to a precarious 57 for 5 at the halfway mark. The top order, featuring Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma, failed to counter the South African pace attack. Cricket South Africa’s strategy to utilize Marco Jansen early paid dividends, as the tall left-armer dismantled the Indian defense.

• Abhishek Sharma: Struggled for timing, scoring his first run via a boundary but looking unsettled throughout.
• Tilak Varma: The designated No. 3 failed to inspire confidence, continuing a string of performances scrutinized for low strike rates.
• Strategic Error: The promotion of Washington Sundar up the order backfired, mirroring the criticism of his selection over the experienced Axar Patel.

Shivam Dube was the sole resistor, scoring 42 to minimize the net run-rate damage, but the lack of partnerships ensured the result was a formality long before the final ball.

Miller and Brevis Power South Africa to 187

Earlier in the day, South Africa posted a competitive 187/7, anchored by a 97-run partnership between David Miller and Dewald Brevis. While India dominated the powerplay by taking three early wickets, the middle-overs phase belonged to the Proteas.

Miller (63) and Brevis (45) targeted the spin of Varun Chakravarthy, whose first two overs leaked 28 runs. The left-right batting combination neutralized India’s spin threat on a surface that offered little turn. The innings concluded with a flourish from Tristan Stubbs, who struck back-to-back sixes off Hardik Pandya in the 20th over to shift the momentum entirely to the visitors.

Key Bowling Performances

Despite the high score, Jasprit Bumrah remained effective for the BCCI men. Bumrah finished with figures of 3/15, becoming India’s most successful bowler in T20 World Cup history. However, the lack of support at the death allowed South Africa to add 23 runs in the final four overs despite losing wickets.

Match Statistics Summary

The International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament schedule gives India little time to recover as they look to salvage their Super 8 campaign in the upcoming fixtures. This reality check at home highlights the volatility of the T20 format, where momentum shifts can dismantle even the most dominant streaks.

For detailed stats and standings, visit ESPNcricinfo.