The streak is over. After dominating ICC events with 17 straight wins since the 2023 ODI World Cup, India met their match against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 at Ahmedabad. A 76-run defeat left fans reeling as India crashed to 111 chasing 188.
South Africa’s 187/7 was anchored by David Miller’s blistering 63 (35 balls, 7×4, 3×6) and Dewald Brevis’ fiery 45 (29 balls). Jasprit Bumrah’s economical 3/15 restricted the damage, but the total proved too steep.
India’s chase imploded from the outset. Ishan Kishan ducked out for zero, Abhishek Sharma made 15, Tilak Varma one, Suryakumar Yadav 18. Shivam Dube fought with 42 off 37, but Washington Sundar and Hardik Pandya floundered. The innings resembled a house of cards.
Bowling heroics from Marco Jansen (4/22 in 3.5 overs) and Keshav Maharaj (3 wickets) dismantled India. This loss, the biggest by runs in T20 World Cup for India, shatters their aura of invincibility.
Post-match, discussions swirl around batting collapses and adaptation to conditions. India must rediscover form swiftly to salvage their campaign in the high-stakes tournament.