Super 8 Showdown: Unbeaten India lock horns with South Africa in Ahmedabad
India enjoys a strong record against South Africa in T20 Internationals. Out of the 35 matches played between the two teams, India have won 21, while South Africa have won 13 and one match ended without a result.
21 February, 2026
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Unbeaten India will collide with the South Africans in their first match of the Super 8 stage at the Gujarat Titans' home ground, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22. The Group 1 match will start at 7:00 PM IST.
With a 17-run win against the Netherlands, the co-hosts have asserted their dominance in every game of the group stage and stormed into the next phase of the T20 Cup 2026 on a high.
After winning the toss, India decided to bat first and surprisingly, lost its top-order early on in the match. Later on, Suryakumar Yadav (34), Tilak Varma (31) and Hardik Pandya (30) contributed with important cameos.
But it was Shivam Dube’s fearless batting that took the Dutch bowlers to the cleaners. The left-handed batsman smashed a vital 66 off 31 and helped India post a formidable total of 193/6 in their 20 overs.
Thereafter, the Indian bowlers displayed spectacular skills on a great batting track to restrict the Netherlands to 176/7 and successfully defended the total. Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Dube were the stars, picking up three wickets and two wickets respectively.
On the other hand, South Africa have also maintained their unbeaten run in Group D with eight points. Apart from a nerve-wracking double super over win over Afghanistan, captain Aiden Markram led from the front and helped his side win comprehensively against the likes of Canada, New Zealand, and UAE.
The upcoming showdown in Ahmedabad is a batting paradise and consequently, we can expect some fireworks from both sides this Sunday.
Players to watch out for
Shivam Dube: India's power-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dube has been a vital asset in both departments throughout the tournament. He has amassed 116 runs in four games at a sensational strike rate of 178.46. With the ball, Dube has chipped in with three wickets at a bowling strike rate of 10.66. The southpaw will look to carry on his form against the Proteas come Sunday.
Varun Chakravarthy: Bowling sensation Varun Chakravarthy has been in excellent form lately. The mystery spinner has delivered breathtaking performances and is currently India's highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Chakravarthy has picked up nine wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 5.16. One can expect him to outfox the South African batting lineup and restrict them to a smaller total.
India vs South Africa T20 head-to-head
India boasts a superior T20I record against South Africa. Out of the 35 matches played between the two teams, India have won 21, while South Africa has won 13 and one game ended without a result.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wicket-keeper), Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs.
Upcoming milestones to keep an eye on
Ishan Kishan is 1 maximum away from 300 sixes in T20s.
Varun Chakravarthy needs one scalp to reach 10 wickets in T20 Cup 2026.
Kuldeep Yadav needs 5 wickets for 100 wickets in T20Is.
Where to watch India vs South Africa T20 Cup 2026 live
The India vs South Africa, T20 Cup 2026 match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network’s TV channels.
Live streaming of the IND vs SA game will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
