India cricket team is all set to take a step closer to securing their second consecutive T20 World Cup title as they take on South Africa in their first Super 8 fixture in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Both the Men in Blue and the Proteas cruised through the group stage of the tournament staying undefeated and will be looking to continue riding high on the winning momentum. The last time the two sides met in a T20 World Cup tie was in the final of the 2024 edition where India ended over a decade of wait to lift the T20 WC again in Barbados. The contest is expected to be a mouth-watering one, with two formidable sides locking horns.
Match Details
- Match: India vs South Africa, Super 8 (Group 1)
- Date: February 22, 2026 (Sunday)
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for its balanced nature, but under lights, the pace and bounce often favor the seamers early on. However, the expansive boundaries in Ahmedabad make it a graveyard for mistimed shots, rewarding batsmen who can find the gaps. Spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy might find some grip as the game progresses. A score around 170-180 is usually competitive here.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 35
- India Won: 21
- South Africa Won: 13
- No Result: 1
- In T20 World Cups: India leads 5-2 in 7 encounters.
Team Analysis
India: The Indian side has looked clinical. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have been the pillars of the batting order, with Varma recently cementing his place as one of the most consistent performers against the Proteas. The bowling department, led by the lethal Arshdeep Singh and the rejuvenated Varun Chakravarthy, has successfully defended totals in every single group game.
South Africa: The Proteas are desperate to avenge their heartbreaking 7-run loss in the 2024 final. Aiden Markram has led from the front, and Quinton de Kock remains a constant threat at the top. Their bowling spearhead Lungi Ngidi has been in fiery form, picking up 8 wickets in the group stages. The middle order’s ability to handle India’s spin twins will be the deciding factor.
Key Players to Watch
- India: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
- South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Lungi Ngidi.
Who Will Win Today?
While South Africa has the fire and the emotional motivation of revenge, India’s “unbeatable” aura in the current tournament and their superior record in ICC knockouts/Super 8 stages give them the edge. Playing in front of a home crowd in Ahmedabad further tips the scales.
Prediction: India to win a closely contested battle.
Cricket
India Playing XI: Axar Patel misses out again, Washington Sundar preferred vs South Africa
