South Africa delivered a commanding performance to outclass India by 76 runs in their Super 8 Group 1 encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After electing to bat first, the Proteas posted a formidable 187/7 and then unleashed a clinical bowling display to bundle India out for just 111 in 18.5 overs.
David Miller’s batting brilliance powers South Africa to a formidable total
Despite losing early wickets, South Africa recovered brilliantly through a middle-order masterclass. Captain Aiden Markram (4) and Quinton de Kock (6) fell cheaply, while Ryan Rickelton managed only 7. However, Dewald Brevis injected momentum with a brisk 45 off 29 balls, striking three fours and three sixes.
The innings truly belonged to David Miller, who played a scintillating knock of 63 off just 35 deliveries. The left-hander smashed seven fours and three sixes, shifting the momentum decisively in South Africa’s favour. Tristan Stubbs provided the perfect support, hammering 44 off 24 balls, including three sixes, as the duo dismantled the Indian attack in the latter half of the innings.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah stood out with a sensational spell of 3/15 in four overs, keeping things tight even as runs flowed from the other end. Arshdeep Singh chipped in with 2/28, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Shivam Dube claimed a wicket each. However, Hardik Pandya’s 0/45 and the expensive spells from others allowed South Africa to finish strongly.
Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj dismantle India’s fragile batting
Chasing 188, India endured a nightmare start. Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, and Tilak Varma followed soon after for just 1. Abhishek Sharma showed brief intent with 15 off 12 balls but failed to convert his start.
Suryakumar Yadav struggled for fluency, scoring 18 off 22 balls, as the pressure mounted. Washington Sundar (11) and Rinku Singh (0) were unable to steady the innings. Shivam Dube fought a lone battle with a gritty 42 off 37 deliveries, while Hardik Pandya contributed 18, but the required rate had already spiralled out of control.
South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Marco Jansen was the pick of the attack, finishing with superb figures of 4/22 in 3.5 overs. Keshav Maharaj spun a web around the middle order, claiming 3/24 in his three overs. Corbin Bosch impressed with 2/12, while Markram chipped in with a wicket in his solitary over. Lungi Ngidi kept things tight, conceding just 15 runs in four overs. India were eventually bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, handing South Africa a thumping 76-run victory.
Here’s how fans reacted
Wow .. this is a hammering for India .. Brilliant from SA with Bat , Ball and in the field .. #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 22, 2026
Yes maaaan 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) February 22, 2026
South Africa today showed they have a high class overall bowling attack, no bowler the opposition can go after. Can’t say the same about India, they have at least two weak links. Two bowlers who batsmen can take liberties.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 22, 2026
Lots of cricket left in this comp, but a performance to be proud of, brains and execution! #T20WorldCup
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) February 22, 2026
Boom
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 22, 2026
India need to win 4/4 to win the World Cup now. One bad day is out of the way.
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) February 22, 2026
Good , comprehensive and smart cricket today from the proteas. Good job 👏#T20WorldCup
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) February 22, 2026
Player of the Match: David Miller#cricket #INDvSA #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/eUGVe0JqIz
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 22, 2026
Benching Axar Patel for Washington Sundar? What a masterstroke ! 😅#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/Pp4cYGYbaA
— Akansha (@Akansha_Soul) February 22, 2026
Don’t want to say anything negative but if somehow India is knocked out of the group stage Gambhir should be kept as far away as possible from coaching the team. His decisions every second series be it tests, Odis or t20s in his tenure have been weird #INDvsSA
— Life (@umeshfps60) February 22, 2026
Really disappointing performance from Team India today. The batting struggles were exposed by South African bowlers, but honestly, this has been a recurring issue throughout the World Cup.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 22, 2026
