South Africa thrash India in a stunning 76-run victory to end the defending champions’ 12-match winning streak at the ICC T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
In the opening Group 1 Super Eights clash, South Africa produced a dominant all-round performance to hand India their first defeat of the tournament and silence a packed home crowd.
Table of Contents
- South Africa thrash India in Ahmedabad
- Miller and Stubbs Power South Africa to 187
- Jansen and Maharaj Rip Through India
- India’s Batting Collapse
- What This Means for the Super Eights
South Africa Thrash India in Ahmedabad
The headline story of the night was simple — South Africa thrash India in emphatic fashion.
Chasing 188, India were bowled out for just 111 in 18.5 overs, failing badly in their first chase of the tournament.
The defeat not only snapped India’s 12-match winning streak but also dented their net run rate — a crucial factor in the Super Eights stage.
Miller and Stubbs Rescue Proteas
After being sent in to bat, South Africa stumbled early, slipping to 20-3.
However, a counter-attacking 63 from David Miller and a fluent 45 from Dewald Brevis steadied the innings.
The momentum shifted completely when Tristan Stubbs smashed an unbeaten 44 off just 24 balls, launching the final two deliveries for six.
South Africa finished strongly at 187-7.
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah impressed with 3-15, but lacked support from the rest of the attack.
Jansen and Maharaj Lead the Destruction
The reason South Africa thrash India so convincingly was their ruthless bowling display.
Left-arm quick Marco Jansen produced a match-winning spell of 4-22.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj dismantled the middle order with 3-24, including three wickets in one over.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram praised his bowlers:
“Great performance. The boys assessed conditions early and adapted their skills.”
India’s Powerplay Collapse
India’s chase unraveled quickly.
Ishan Kishan fell early, followed by Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma as the hosts slumped inside the powerplay.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted:
“We lost too many wickets in the power play. You can’t win the game there, but you can lose it.”
India were reduced to 51-5 before any meaningful partnership could develop.
Shivam Dube’s 42 provided brief resistance, but once he fell to Jansen, the end came swiftly.
What This Means for the Super Eights
Because South Africa thrash India, the Super Eights group is now wide open.
India must now win their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to stay in contention.
The heavy margin of defeat leaves India with a poor net run rate — something that could prove decisive in a tight group.
The result also avenges South Africa’s loss to India in the 2024 final in Barbados and sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament.
