South Africa Crush India by 76 Runs in T20 World Cup

India's T20 World Cup hopes take hit as South Africa wins

In a game-changing spell, Keshav Maharaj ripped through India's middle order with three wickets in a single over, powering South Africa to a crushing 76-run thrashing of the hosts and a perfect start to their Super Eights journey at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram opened the bowling with his part-time spin and immediately made an impact...

South Africa got their T20 World Cup Super Eights campaign off to a flying start, thrumping hosts India by 76 runs in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Spinner Keshav Maharaj was the star of the show, taking three wickets in a single over to help South Africa crush India. Maharaj's impressive performance was a key factor in India's collapse, as they were restricted to 111 in reply to South Africa's 187 for seven.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, managing a par score of 187 for seven in their 20 overs. India's bowlers had some good moments, but South Africa's batters made the most of their opportunities. However, it was the Proteas' bowling and fielding that proved to be the difference, as they strangled India's scoring areas with disciplined line and length, and the use of slower balls.

South Africa got off to a rocky start, losing three wickets for 20 runs as India's seamers Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah were in top form. Arshdeep Singh took 2 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs, while Jasprit Bumrah took 3 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs, putting the Proteas under pressure early on. However, Dewald Brevis and David Miller stepped up, launching a counter-attack and taking on the India bowling.

The pair put on 97 runs for the fourth wicket in just 50 deliveries, with Brevis scoring 45 off 29 balls and Miller hitting 63 off 35. Their partnership helped South Africa recover from their early setback and post a competitive total of 187 for seven. The duo's aggressive batting gave South Africa a much-needed boost, and they went on to capitalize on it.

When Brevis and Miller departed, South Africa's innings slowed down again, but Tristan Stubbs gave them a late boost, smashing an unbeaten 44 off just 24 balls. Stubbs' aggressive batting helped South Africa push their total to a respectable 187 for seven. His cameo added momentum to the Proteas' innings, setting the stage for a strong bowling performance.

David Miller's excellent form in the tournament continued, as he used his experience of playing in India, particularly in Ahmedabad, to guide his team. Miller's 63 runs from 35 balls were crucial in helping South Africa recover from their early setback. His batting was a masterclass in adapting to the Indian conditions.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram opened the bowling with his part-time spin and immediately made an impact, taking the wicket of opener Ishan Kishan, who scored 0 from 4 balls. Markram's move set the tone for the Proteas' bowling attack, putting India under pressure from the outset. His decision to bring on spin early on proved to be a shrewd one.

Marco Jansen was on fire, picking up two more quick wickets and contributing to the pressure on India's batters. He finished with impressive figures of 4-22 in 3.5 overs, making a big impact on the game. The Proteas kept chipping away, not allowing any of the batters to settle and build a partnership.

Lungi Ngidi didn't get a wicket, but his clever change of pace made him a tough cookie to crack, finishing with excellent figures of 0-15 in four overs. His bowling was a big factor in India's struggles. Only Shivam Dube showed some resistance, scoring 42 from 37 balls, but it wasn't enough to change the course of the game.

South Africa's win wasn't just a victory, it was a statement - they boosted their run-rate and put a big dent into India's chances. The Proteas are next in action against West Indies on Thursday, before facing Zimbabwe on Sunday. The team must be feeling confident heading into the next games.

“It was a great performance,” Markram said. “A different type of wicket to what we have had here. The boys assessed that early and then adapted to their plans.”

🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨

The unbeaten streak continues as #TheProteas secure a commanding victory in their Super 8 opener by 76 runs! 🙌🇿🇦

A complete all-around display with intensity with the bat, discipline with the ball, and true #Unbreakable spirit throughout! 🫡🏏#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Sthe9nvg0a

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 22, 2026

“I’m happy for the bowlers, the start to the competition was tough, but tonight (they were brilliant).

The partnership between Brevis and Miller gave us a chance to get back into the game. We didn't feel like the ball was moving much, it was a bit spongy, so we tried to hit into space and run hard. Their bowlers did a great job, especially at the start and end of the innings.

Their bowling upfront and at the death was top-notch, but I think our middle order batting was the difference-maker. We had some good chances, but couldn't capitalize on them. 

“We’ll enjoy this for one night and then park it. There is a big game for us next (against West Indies). It’s important we rock up and take it on full steam again.”