South Africa defeated India by 76 runs in the 43rd Match of Super 8 Group 1 at Narendra Modi Stadium on February 22, 2026. South Africa posted 187-7 in 20 overs, highlighted by David Miller’s 63 off 35 balls and Dewald Brevis’ 45 off 29, before bowling India out for 111 in 18.5 overs, with Marco Jansen returning figures of 4 for 22.
Match Summary
South Africa, batting first after winning the toss, began steadily in front of a full crowd in Ahmedabad. India’s new-ball attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, kept early scoring under control. Bumrah struck during the powerplay to remove a top-order batter, preventing a rapid start.
The middle overs shifted momentum in South Africa’s favour. Brevis accelerated against spin, targeting square boundaries and rotating strike effectively. Miller anchored the latter half of the innings, combining power hitting with controlled placement. The partnership between Brevis and Miller ensured the run rate remained above nine per over through overs 7–15.
India’s bowlers contained the death overs comparatively well, with Bumrah finishing with 3 for 15 in his four overs. However, South Africa closed on 187-7 — a total above the average first-innings score at the venue in night matches.
India’s chase faltered early. South Africa’s seamers extracted bounce and movement under lights, claiming two wickets inside the powerplay. The scoreboard pressure from a required rate exceeding 9.5 per over forced aggressive stroke play.
Jansen’s spell proved decisive. Operating with pace and bounce, he removed key middle-order batters and disrupted partnerships. India struggled to build sustained stands, and the run rate escalated beyond control after the 10th over.
Despite brief resistance from the lower middle order, India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, handing South Africa a comprehensive 76-run victory.
Key Performances
David Miller (South Africa)
- 63 runs off 35 balls
- Controlled middle and death overs
- Key partnership stabilizing innings
Dewald Brevis (South Africa)
- 45 off 29 balls
- Accelerated scoring during spin phase
Marco Jansen (South Africa)
- 4 wickets for 22 runs in 3.5 overs
- Removed top and middle-order batters
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
- 3 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs
- Maintained economy despite overall pressure
South Africa’s fielding unit also contributed through boundary prevention and pressure in the ring during the powerplay.
Turning Point of the Match
The decisive phase occurred during overs 6–10 of India’s chase. After losing early wickets, India required a steady rebuilding phase. Instead, Jansen struck twice in quick succession, removing a set batter and exposing the lower middle order.
With the required rate crossing 11 per over by the halfway mark, India were forced into high-risk options. The inability to form a partnership exceeding 40 runs effectively ended the contest.
From that stage, South Africa controlled the tempo through disciplined bowling rotations and strategic field placements.
Full Scorecard / Key Statistics
South Africa – 187/7 (20 overs)
- Powerplay: Controlled start with one wicket lost
- Middle overs: Brevis-Miller partnership sustained run rate
- Top scorer: David Miller 63 (35)
- India leading bowler: Jasprit Bumrah 3/15
India – 111 all out (18.5 overs)
- Required rate at start: 9.40 per over
- Powerplay: Early wickets lost
- Top South Africa bowler: Marco Jansen 4/22
Match Metrics
- Margin: 76 runs
- Overs unused: 1.1 overs
- South Africa wickets via pace: Majority of dismissals
(Statistics verified via official tournament match centre.)
What This Means
The 76-run victory significantly improves South Africa’s net run rate in Super 8 Group 1, strengthening their semifinal prospects. Large-margin wins are critical in tightly contested group standings.
For India, the defeat introduces qualification pressure. Net run rate implications may influence advancement scenarios depending on remaining fixtures.
Tactically:
- South Africa demonstrated middle-over acceleration and effective death bowling.
- India’s batting unit struggled against high-bounce seam conditions.
- Defending totals above 180 at Ahmedabad remains viable under lights.
What’s Next
South Africa will face their next Super 8 Group 1 opponent later this week with semifinal qualification at stake.
India must secure victories in remaining fixtures to stay competitive in group standings, with emphasis on powerplay stability and middle-order consolidation.