Tension gripped Narendra Modi Stadium as South Africa seized toss advantage in their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 thriller against India, choosing to bat amid perfect conditions. Markram’s squad shuffled with four changes—reinstating Ngidi, Jansen, and Maharaj—to counter India’s prowess.
India’s response? No changes to the winning formula that swept groups. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav aligned with the choice, saying batting first suited the dew factor.
‘Prime opportunity for big performances,’ Markram declared, citing prior games on the venue. Proteas stars shine: Markram’s 178 (187 SR), Rickelton’s 145 (190 SR), and Ngidi’s pace threat.
India counters with Kishan’s explosive 176 (202 SR), Suryakumar’s 162, Chakaravarthy’s 9 wickets, Pandya’s versatility, and Bumrah’s mastery.
Both unbeaten in groups, lineups locked:
India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav*, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
SA: Aiden Markram*, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj.
A showdown where form meets fortune—expect boundaries and breakthroughs aplenty.