South Africa delivered a stunning performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 22, dismantling co-hosts India by 76 runs in their Super Eights Group 1 clash at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The comprehensive victory brought an abrupt end to India's formidable 12-match winning run in T20 World Cups, a streak that had been intact since their triumphant campaign in 2024.

Proteas captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that initially appeared questionable as India's pace attack struck early and often. Jasprit Bumrah, who became India's all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cups during the match, was devastating with the new ball, returning figures of 3-15 from his four overs. Alongside Arshdeep Singh, who claimed 2-28, the pair reduced South Africa to a precarious 20 for 3 inside the first four overs.

What followed, however, was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. David Miller, the experienced left-hander, strode to the crease and immediately seized control of the innings. Partnering with the talented young Dewald Brevis, Miller orchestrated a breathtaking 97-run partnership off just 51 deliveries that completely shifted the momentum of the contest. Miller reached his half-century in only 26 balls, the fourth-fastest fifty ever scored against India in T20 World Cup history. His innings of 63 off 35 balls was studded with seven fours and three sixes before he was eventually dismissed by spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. Brevis provided excellent support with a blistering 45 off 29 balls, helping South Africa post a formidable total of 187 for 7.

India's chase never gained any traction. Marco Jansen set the tone with a devastating spell of fast bowling, dismissing Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma to finish with match-defining figures of 4-22. The home side stumbled to 31 for 3 at the end of the powerplay, and the required run rate climbed beyond reach. Shivam Dube offered some resistance with a fighting 42, but he found little support from the other end. Lungi Ngidi was miserly with his four overs, conceding just 15 runs, while Corbin Bosch chipped in with 2-12 from three overs. India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, handing South Africa a resounding victory.

Miller was rightfully named Player of the Match for his counterattacking brilliance that turned the game on its head. The victory gave South Africa a crucial two points in the Super Eights standings and sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament that the Proteas remain serious contenders for the title.

For India, the defeat raises important questions about their middle-order depth and their ability to chase under pressure in knockout-stage conditions. However, Suryakumar Yadav's side still have matches remaining in the Super Eights and can control their own destiny in the race for a semifinal berth.

Elsewhere in the Super Eights on the same day, England dispatched Sri Lanka by 51 runs, posting 146 for 9 before bowling out their opponents for just 95 in 16.4 overs. The Pakistan versus New Zealand fixture scheduled for February 21 was washed out, with both teams sharing a point apiece.

With the Super Eights stage heating up and semifinal spots on the line, the T20 World Cup 2026 continues to deliver drama at every turn. The tournament resumes today with Zimbabwe facing West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.