India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat against South Africa in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. The match was played on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It was India’s first loss in an ICC event in 17 matches. Their previous defeat had come in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia.
The Men in Blue struggled in every department. The biggest problem was their batting performance. India chased a difficult target but never looked settled at the crease. Openers Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma fell early. Tilak Varma again failed to convert his start, continuing his poor run of form.
The batters played risky shots and lacked patience. Instead of building partnerships, they kept attacking. Wickets fell at regular intervals. There was no calm phase in the chase, and pressure kept increasing on the middle order.
South Africa dominate with bat and ball
Earlier, South Africa posted 187/7 in their 20 overs. David Miller led the innings with a brilliant 63 off 35 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Dewald Brevis added 45 runs. Tristan Stubbs played a strong finishing role with an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls. For India, Jasprit Bumrah impressed with 3/15 and Arshdeep Singh took 2/28.
In reply, India were bowled out for only 111 in 18.5 overs. Shivam Dube scored 42 off 37 balls and was the only batter who showed resistance. Other players could not support him.
South Africa’s bowlers stayed accurate and disciplined. Marco Jansen starred with 4/22. Spinner Keshav Maharaj picked 3/24. Corbin Bosch also contributed with 2/12.
South Africa will next face West Indies on February 26 in Ahmedabad as they push for a semifinal place. India will meet Zimbabwe in Chennai and will hope to recover quickly after this disappointing performance.
