Our Bureau
Ahmedabad
South Africa stunned India by 76 runs in a Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The Proteas posted 187 for 7, then bowled India out for 111, showing smart planning and cool heads.
Captain Aiden Markram’s team used clever tricks to choke India’s strong batters. They started with offspinner Aiden Markram in the first over, taking an early wicket, a bold move that paid off. Bowlers like Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen slowed the pace, firing slower balls non-stop. Suryakumar Yadav faced mostly cutters and full tosses, struggling to score big shots. Boundaries dried up as Indian players forced risky hits and lost wickets.
Fielding was sharp too. For opener Abhishek Sharma, South Africa set point and cover fields to block his strong zones. This pushed him to play odd shots, leading to his exit after a small score. Experts praised the “out-of-the-box” plans, saying South Africa stuck to what worked on the gripping pitch.
India’s batters looked lost. They could not read the slower balls, and no short deliveries came to free their arms. Former players noted India came unprepared, calling it a big lesson. South Africa chased their total under pressure, proving they are no longer “chokers”.
This win boosts South Africa’s semifinal hopes. For Suryakumar Yadav’s men, it’s a wake-up call. Fans left stunned, but cricket lovers saw a tactical masterclass from the Proteas.
