Dominance defined India’s warm-up encounter against South Africa at DY Patil Sports Academy, where they clinched a 30-run win to fine-tune for the T20 World Cup. Toss to bat propelled India to 240/6, a total built on relentless aggression from the top order.
Ishan Kishan’s 53 off 20 balls – 7 sixes, 2 fours – alongside Abhishek Sharma’s 24 off 18 (4×4), forged an 80-run opening blitz in 5.4 overs. Both retired out to maximize resources. Tilak Varma’s fiery 45 off 19 (3 sixes, 3 fours) ignited further, with Suryakumar Yadav (30 off 16), Axar Patel (35), and unbeaten Hardik Pandya (30 off 10, 5 boundaries) ensuring a towering finish.
South Africa’s response began disastrously with Linde out for nought. Markram (38) and Rickelton (44) added 66 in 30 balls for the second wicket, but the chase derailed at 100/5. Smith (35), Jansen (31), and Stubbs (45* with 4 sixes, 1 four) resisted, yet 210/7 fell short.
Bowling honors went to Abhishek Sharma (2 wickets), with Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel sharing the rest. India’s balanced display promises excitement in the upcoming tournament.