By Asif Naveed
SPORTS DESK (MNN); South Africa snapped India’s 12-match unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup with a commanding 76-run victory in the opening Super Eights Group 1 clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Powered by a fighting 63 from David Miller and an explosive unbeaten 44 off 24 balls by Tristan Stubbs, South Africa posted a competitive 187-7 after choosing to bat first. In reply, defending champions India were bowled out for just 111 in 18.5 overs, suffering a heavy defeat in their first run chase of the tournament.
Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen starred with the ball, claiming 4-22, while spinner Keshav Maharaj added 3-24 to dismantle India’s batting order.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram praised his team’s adaptability. He said the pitch conditions were different from previous matches but credited his players for quickly assessing the surface and executing their plans effectively. He also lauded the bowling unit for bouncing back strongly after a slow start to the competition.
India, considered strong favourites to defend their title on home soil, must now win their remaining Super Eight matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to stay in contention for a semi-final spot. However, the heavy margin of defeat has significantly dented their net run rate, which could prove decisive in a closely contested group.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted his side fell short with the bat despite bowling well. He noted that chasing a total around 180 required patience and that losing too many wickets during the power play cost them the match.
The contest was a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados, where India had emerged victorious. Both teams had entered the Super Eights unbeaten in the group stage. India’s winning streak in the tournament had previously dated back to their semi-final loss to England in 2022.
South Africa made early inroads in the chase when Markram removed Ishan Kishan with his off-spin. Marco Jansen then dismissed Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma in quick succession, leaving India reeling.
Corbin Bosch further tightened the grip by removing Washington Sundar and Suryakumar Yadav, reducing the hosts to 51-5. Maharaj’s triple strike in a single over, which included the wickets of Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Arshdeep Singh, effectively ended India’s hopes.
Shivam Dube scored 42 but lacked support as Jansen returned to dismiss him, and Jasprit Bumrah fell on the next delivery to complete the rout.
Earlier, South Africa had stumbled to 20-3 before Miller and Dewald Brevis (45) rebuilt the innings with a crucial 97-run partnership. Stubbs then provided late fireworks, smashing the final two balls of the innings for six off Pandya. India’s Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for the hosts with figures of 3-15.
