In what will a re-run of the 2024 final, India cricket team will lock horns with South Africa in their first Super 8 tie of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The Proteas finished the group stage undefeated, winning against New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada and UAE. Aiden Markram and co, who made four changes to their playing XI in their final group stage match against UAE to test the bench strength, are all but certain to field a full-strength side against a formidable India.
Predicted South Africa playing XI vs India
| Position | Player | Role |
| 1. | Aiden Markram (C) | All-rounder |
| 2. | Quinton de Kock (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| 3. | Ryan Rickleton | Batter |
| 4. | Dewald Brevis | Batter |
| 5. | David Miller | Batter |
| 6. | Tristan Stubbs | Batter |
| 7. | Corbin Bosch | All-rounder |
| 8. | Marco Jansen | All-rounder |
| 9. | Kagiso Rabada | Pacer |
| 10. | Lungi Ngidi | Pacer |
| 11. | Keshav Maharaj | Spinner |
South Africa’s biggest strength is undoubtedly their batting depth, with up to number 8 able to effectively contribute with the bat. Ngidi, Maharaj, Miller and Jansen will return to the playing XI for the clash against India.
Markram will be key for the Proteas to get off to a good start with the bat, given that he is the leading run-getter for the side in T20 World Cup 2026 so far, with 178 runs to his name. The likes of de Kock and Brevis, who have been sub-par so far, will be expected to go all guns blazing against India. All eyes will be on the experienced campaigner Miller who has so far registered scores of 39*, 20* and 24* in the three games that he has featured in.
As for the bowling department, Ngidi will spearhead the pace unit along with Rabada and Jansen. Maharaj will be the specialist spinner along with captain Markram serving as a part-timer. Spinners are likely to taste little success at the Narendra Modi Stadium which means South Africa will field a pace heavy unit.
South Africa squad
Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen
Cricket
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