By Staff Reporter
India’s title defence at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup suffered a major setback after a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa in their opening Super Eight clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting target of 188, India were bundled out for just 111 in 18.5 overs, marking their first loss of the tournament and ending a 12-match winning streak stretching back to their 2024 title triumph.
South Africa’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, dismantling India’s formidable batting lineup with disciplined spells and sharp fielding support.
India’s chase got off to a disastrous start when in-form opener Ishan Kishan fell on just the fourth ball, dismissed by captain Aiden Markram. Tilak Varma soon followed, edging Marco Jansen behind on the first ball he faced.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma attempted to steady the innings, but Sharma departed for 15 in the fifth over, deepening India’s troubles. Washington Sundar and Yadav were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the hosts struggling to build any meaningful partnership.
A brief 35-run stand between Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube offered a glimmer of hope. However, South Africa maintained relentless pressure. Once Dube fell for 42 off 37 balls, India’s fate was effectively sealed.
Marco Jansen starred with the ball, claiming four wickets for 22 runs in 3.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj supported brilliantly with figures of 3-24, while Lungi Ngidi was exceptionally economical, conceding just 15 runs in four overs.
Earlier, South Africa recovered from a shaky 20-3 start thanks to a match-defining knock from David Miller, who smashed 63 off 35 balls. He shared a crucial 97-run partnership with Dewald Brevis (45 off 29) to rebuild the innings after Markram elected to bat first.
Even after Miller’s dismissal in the 16th over, Tristan Stubbs accelerated late, finishing unbeaten on 44 off 24 deliveries to power South Africa to a commanding 187-7. India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for the hosts with figures of 3-15.
The victory sends South Africa to the top of Super Eight Group 1, while India slump to the bottom with a net run rate of -3.80.
To keep their semifinal hopes alive, the defending champions must win their remaining matches against West Indies and Zimbabwe. South Africa next face West Indies on Thursday, while India take on Zimbabwe on Friday in what is now a must-win encounter.
