HIGHLIGHTS India vs South Africa, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8 - 3 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the all-important run chase. The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the players of South Africa. It will be the southpaw duo of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan to open the innings for India. Aiden Markram is taking the new ball himself with Kishan on strike. Let's play...

... The Run Chase ...

Will 187 be enough? The game is nicely poised at the halfway mark, and the Proteas will hope that the late momentum with the bat translates into early success with the ball. For India, the focus will be firmly on Abhishek Sharma. With three ducks in the tournament so far, he will be feeling the pressure to deliver. An intriguing second half of the game awaits us. Stick around!

Momentum swings at the death - Varun has been a banker for India in the middle overs, not just in this tournament but in the build-up to the event as well. However, on the night he was put under real pressure, that pushed India into uncharted territory. After finally breaking the 97-run stand between Dewald Brevis and David Miller and removing both set batters, India did manage to claw their way back into the contest. Jasprit Bumrah's return helped the home side tighten the screws and regain control, but Stubbs came through to provide the finishing kick.

India strike first, Proteas respond - The Proteas' top order was blown away inside the powerplay by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, with the ball stopping a touch early on and the batters not quite giving themselves enough time to adjust. Reduced to 20/3, David Miller stepped up and began the repair work. A few crisp boundaries settled the nerves and helped South Africa finish the powerplay on a positive note. That momentum carried into the middle phase as Dewald Brevis joined in and the pair took down Varun Chakaravarthy.

South Africa end up with 187 - 20 runs off the final over and South Africa finish on a real high. Looking at the way their innings lost steam after David Miller perished, one wondered whether the innings would fizzle out, but Tristan Stubbs has helped them finish with a flourish. The Proteas will walk into the break with a bit of momentum, while India will be a bit disappointed at the finish.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! Yes, he can! Stubbs goes bang-bang to end the first innings. Shortish length yet again from Pandya, over off stump, Tristan Stubbs leans across and hoicks the pull behind square leg for a biggie. 20 runs off the final over and South Africa finish with 187/7 on the board.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! Up, up and away! Slower one, bowled back of a length and outside off. Tristan Stubbs rocks back, lines it up and pummels it flat over long on for a biggie. Can he end things off in style now?

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, Good-length delivery outside off, slapped straight to cover and Stubbs denies the single.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! Uh, oh! Should Washington Sundar have gone for the catch? Maybe not at this stage and it will be a boundary. Banged in short over leg stump, Stubbs gets inside the line and pulls it off the top edge down to deep backward square leg. Sundar runs to his right and dives across but the ball lands short and goes behind to the fence.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, That's risky running but they simply had to go for the second run. Yorker-length delivery on middle, Tristan Stubbs digs it down to long on and the batters just turn blind for the second run. The throw at the bowler's end is a bit wide and Kagiso Rabada makes it in.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, Good fielding in the deep. Dragged down over middle, Tristan Stubbs hangs back and flat-bats it between long on and deep mid-wicket. Rinku Singh from the latter poistion runs to his left and lobs the ball to Tilak Varma who comes in from long on and they save a couple of runs as well.

Hardik Pandya to close out the innings. India are behind on the over rate. They will have to bring one extra fielder inside the circle, so just 4 fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kagiso Rabada, A stellar 19th over from Bumrah, just three singles and a wicket off it. Full and straight, around middle, Kagiso Rabada jams it out to mid off.

Kagiso Rabada is in next.

Jasprit Bumrah to Corbin Bosch, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Yorker-length delivery, lands right on the popping crease in front of middle stump. Corbin Bosch takes out the front leg and jams it back to the bowler, who pouches the ball by sticking out his right hand and starts walking back to his mark. Seems to have been a bump-ball but the Indians are asking the question and the on-field umpires have gone upstairs to check. Oh, seems to be right off the bat and the third umpire confirms the same. Bosch has to walk back as Bumrah gets his third wicket. 33rd T20 World Cup wicket for Bumrah. With this, he now has the most wickets for India in T20 World Cups.

Jasprit Bumrah to Corbin Bosch, The momentum is getting sucked out of the Proteas innings now. Pitched up, fuller and outside off, Corbin Bosch goes for the reverse sweep but fails to connect.

Jasprit Bumrah to Tristan Stubbs, Slower one, bowled into the pitch and right at the batter. Stubbs hangs back and half-pulls it behind square leg for a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Corbin Bosch, Bumrah looks for the yorker at the toes but just overpitches a bit. Bosch leans across and seems to be falling over but gets the hands out in front and punches it down to long on for one more.

Jasprit Bumrah to Tristan Stubbs, Back of a length and wide outside off, Stubbs reaches out and taps it to deep cover-point for a single.

Right, Jasprit Bumrah for the 19th or the 20th? Suryakumar Yadav has made the call. Bumrah (3-0-12-2) will bowl the penultimate over.

Arshdeep Singh to Corbin Bosch, What a comeback delivery from Arshdeep! Fuller around off, shapes back in, late as well. Bosch is drawn into the drive but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Arshdeep Singh to Corbin Bosch, FOUR! That's well struck. A slower short ball around off, sits up for the batter. Corbin Bosch hangs on the back foot, rolls his wrists nicely over the ball and crunches the pull into the vacant square leg fence.

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, Back to over the wicket for Stubbs. Length ball, pushed across off, Stubbs crouches and backs away, angling it down to deep backward point for one.

Arshdeep Singh to Corbin Bosch, Shortish length down leg, stays a shade low. Corbin Bosch gets inside the line to tuck but the ball goes off the pads down to short fine leg for a leg bye.

Corbin Bosch walks in next. 14 runs and 2 wickets in the last 14 balls.

Arshdeep Singh to Marco Jansen, OUT! CAUGHT! Swung away but straight to the man in the deep. Arshdeep Singh changes the angle by coming around the wicket. Bowls it into the pitch and a bit slower, angling it into the right-hander. Marco Jansen leans back to pull but doesn't get the desired connection. The ball sails over mid-wicket and straight down the throat of Rinku Singh in the deep, and he makes no mistake. India pulling things back at the death.

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, Length ball on the pads, tucked away down to deep backward square leg for a single.

One over each left for Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. The big question now is about that crucial third over. For now, though, it will be Arshdeep (3-0-22-1).

Jasprit Bumrah to Tristan Stubbs, Length ball, pushed wide of the off stump, Stubbs reaches out and strokes it to deep cover for just one more. Five singles off the over and 200 is now looking a bridge too far for the Proteas.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marco Jansen, A bit fuller in length and attacking the stumps, Jansen gets the front leg out of the way and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marco Jansen, Clever mix-up from Bumrah here. A slower bumper, short and outside off, Jansen leaves it as he hopes it will sail over head height, but it doesn't. Just grips and goes behind to the keeper.

Jasprit Bumrah to Tristan Stubbs, Yes, is the answer to the question on the last ball, but Tristan Stubbs does well here. An inswinging yorker on off and middle, Stubbs digs it out into the off side and picks up another single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Marco Jansen, Shorter in length and outside off, slower again, Jansen stays upright and hits it square through the off side for one more. Is the yorker loading?

Jasprit Bumrah to Tristan Stubbs, Tap and run! An off-cutter, on a good length and on off. Stubbs waits for it before just playing it with soft hands in front of point for a quick single.

Jasprit Bumrah returns to the attack. 2-0-7-2 so far for Bumrah.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, A dot to end the over. Serves a length delivery on middle and leg, it is the googly. Jansen fails to clip it away. Not given as a wide.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, Flatter delivery, around off. Marco Jansen taps it on the off side.

Marco Jansen is in at number 7. A slip in place for the new batter.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, OUT! TAKEN! Varun Chakaravarthy might have gone for runs, but he picks up the wicket of the set-batter. An important wicket in the context of the game. Varun bowls the wrong 'un, across the batter and wide as well. Miller is rooted in his crease as he tries to clear long off but fails to hit off the middle. Tilak Varma at long off takes it with ease. End of a fine knock from Miller, but South Africa would have loved him to be out there till the very end.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Tristan Stubbs, Tossed up, fuller and on middle, Stubbs stays back and bunts it through mid-wicket for a run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! Oh, sweetly struck by Stubbs! Serves it a touch too full and wide outside off. Tristan Stubbs uses the long levers as he drags his shot across and over long on for a six.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Pushes it full and across the batter, outside off. Miller cue ends his drive past cover for a single.

Washington Sundar to continue? Or will SKY throw caution to the wind and bring back Varun Chakaravarthy? Oh, yes. It is the latter. 3 overs for 39 thus far for Varun.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, Two more! Drags the length back and bowls it on off, Tristan Stubbs pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Abhishek Sharma runs in and throws, but Pandya feels he could have been quicker to cut down the second run.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, A genuine half-volley, outside off. Tristan Stubbs hammers the width away past cover. Washington Sundar in the deep, runs to his left and sweeps it cleanly to save a couple of runs.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, A skiddy length delivery, around off, Stubbs lunges forward and drives it straight back to Pandya.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, Fractionally full and outside off, Miller bends across and punches it firmly through covers for a single.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, FOUR! Oh, intentionally done! Pandya digs the hard length, around off. Miller pegs back to push it away and just nurdles it away fine of the felder at short third. The ball rolls away to the right of the fielder for a boundary.

Hardik Pandya to Tristan Stubbs, Fires it full and in line of the stumps. Stubbs plays it straight, past Pandya's right hand and the stumps at the other end. The long off fielder cuts it off and they get a single.

DRINKS BREAK! A fascinating middle phase of play and it seems like the Proteas have managed to flip the script to an extent. However, against this Indian batting lineup, you never know how much is enough. South Africa will hope that David Miller stays on till the end and they can get as close to 200 as possible. India do have a couple of overs of Jasprit Bumrah up their sleeve but barring him and a couple of decent overs from the other pacers, India haven't managed to build any sort of pressure on the Proteas. Let's see how the last 6 overs pan out. Hardik Pandya (2-0-15-0) returns to the attack.

Washington Sundar to Tristan Stubbs, Six singles off the over. 9 singles on the trot! Drops it full and on middle and leg, Tristan jabs it away to mid-wicket and keeps the strike.

Washington Sundar to David Miller, Five singles in a row! Fuller-length delivery on middle, Miller gets inside the line and punches it to long on.

Washington Sundar to Tristan Stubbs, One more run as Tristan Stubbs tucks this length ball to deep mid-wicket.

Washington Sundar to David Miller, Dealing in singles at the moment! Tossed up, full and on middle, David turns it in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Washington Sundar to Tristan Stubbs, Quicker through the air, fuller and on middle, Tristan Stubbs clips it wide of deep mid-wicket for one more.

Washington Sundar to David Miller, Sundar pushes it full and in line of the stumps. Miller nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Washington Sundar is back into the attack. He went for 11 runs in his first over.

Shivam Dube to David Miller, A slower bumper into the surface, around off. Miller gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. A wicket but 17 runs off the over as well.

Shivam Dube to Tristan Stubbs, Back of a length and on middle, Tristan Stubbs flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Shivam Dube to David Miller, On a nagging length and on off, David Miller plays it down to long off and runs across.

Shivam Dube to David Miller, SIX! Miller makes the most of the Free-hit, once again. FIFTY FOR MILLER. Pitches it up, outside off. Miller uses the width to free his arms and launches it over extra-cover for a six. He is striking at 200.

Shivam Dube to Tristan Stubbs, NO BALL! The siren goes off as Dube oversteps. Short of a length and on off, Tristan Stubbs knocks it down to long on for a single. However, a no ball means Miller will have a go at the Free Hit.

Dewald Brevis gets a bit too greedy and holes out, marking the end of a 97-run stand between him and Miller. With that said, Tristan Stubbs walks out to bat at number 6.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, OUT! GONE! Dewald Brevis knew it straightaway that he had mistimed it. Dube bangs a shorter delivery, outside off, at 123 clicks. Brevis forces his pull shot across but gets a thick top edge to deep mid-wicket. High in the night sky but not far away. Abhishek Sharma runs in from the deep and holds onto it safely near his chest. The 97-run partnership has been broken and India will look to cash in now.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, SIX! Just over the tall, Washington Sundar! Pace off, very full and outside off. Dewald Brevis launches it high and over long off. It goes off the cue end of the bat and just over the man in the deep. Sundar leaps but the ball brushes his fingertips before going all the way.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Shorter and on middle, Dewald stands tall and punches it to wide long on. He retains the strike with a single. Another productive over for South Africa. 12 runs off it. Chakaravarthy's figures read 3-0-39-0.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Wide! This time, on the other side. Well wide on off. Brevis offers no shot.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Wide! Sliding down leg, on a length. Brevis misses out on the tickle.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Near the tramline, fuller in length. David reaches out and hits it flat to long off for one. For a second, Miller felt like he hit it straight to the fielder in the deep.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Bye! Quicker through the air, on the shorter side, Brevis makes room to force it away on the off side. The ball gets big on him and goes over the blade and past the leg stump. Ishan Kishan fails to gather the ball and wears it on the waist. The ball dribbles away for a bye.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Brings the stumps in play, Miller punches it to long on and crosses over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, FOUR! Suryakumar Yadav should have done better there. On a nagging length, cutting across the left-hander, Miller hangs back, stays leg side of the ball and punches it to extra cover. SKY is late to get the dive in to his left, and the ball beats him before racing away.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Wide! Switches to over the wicket for the left-hander. He wants to stay away from the batter's hitting arc but this is too wide outside the off stump.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, From around the wicket, going across the batter, on a good length, Brevis cuts it hard to deep point for a single.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Another full toss, outside off, Brevis reaches out and carves it to deep cover for a single. 15 runs off Dube's first over.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, SIX! A gift, and Dewald Brevis accepts it gleefully! Cross-seam delivery, Dube errs in length. Dishes out a low full toss, outside off. Brevis pumps it over long on for a six.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Wide! Pace off, beyond the guideline outside off stump, Dewald lets it pass.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! Pure power! Dube goes full, outside off, Dewald gets closer to the line of the ball. He smacks it down the ground, and the man at long off, who is positioned a bit wide, is beaten to his right.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Dube bowls it full and near the tramline on off. Brevis shuffles across and checks his lofted drive. Plays it between extra cover and long on off. It is mopped up in the deep. Two runs taken.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Wide! Sprayed well beyond the tramline, outside off, Brevis lets it be.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, That should have been put away! Low full toss, outside off, Dewald takes a step towards the off side and cracks the drive but picks out the man at extra cover on the edge of the ring.

Shivam Dube to Dewald Brevis, Full and outside off, Brevis reaches out for the drive. Miscues it off an inside edge on the leg side.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, SIX! David Miller takes full toll and makes Hardik Pandya pay. What could have been another tidy over from Pandya ends up going for 11 runs. Pushed across off, on a shortish length. This is the off-cutter, Miller waits on it and drags the pull over wide long on for a six.

Free Hit to follow...

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, NO BALL! Uh, oh, Hardik has overstepped. Nothing behind the line. Angled into the off stump, on a back of a length, Brevis works it in front of deep mid-wicket and takes the single.

Tidy over so far from Hardik Pandya. Can he end the over well?

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, Honing in on the off stump, on a good length. Dewald takes a step across the stumps and gets behind the line before pushing it back to the bowler.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, Not offering any sort of room, on a back of a length, on middle and leg. David clips it in front of square leg and crosses over.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, Slightly fuller, nice and tight, at the sticks, Miller plays a punchy drive back to Hardik.

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, Into the surface, skidding through, on off and middle. Brevis taps it off the back foot to wide long on. The batters think about the second run but Rinku Singh swoops in and keeps it to a single.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, Pushed across off, on a back of a length. Miller stands tall on his toes to jab it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Around the hips, Dewald fails to get it away. The ball goes off the thigh pad to short fine leg. 17 runs off Chakaravarthy's over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, SIX! Straight as an arrow! Varun Chakaravarthy being put under immense pressure. Tossed up, fuller and on middle. Brevis gets the ball in his arc and he does not miss out. He puts his head down and swings through the line. Tonks it back over the bowler's head for half a dozen. The 50-run stand comes up between these two as well.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! Proactive batting from Brevis, and he gets the reward. Flatter and shorter, on middle and leg. Brevis makes room for himself to play it away from the man at deep cover. He hops back and cuts it to the left of deep cover for a four.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Drags the length back a bit and this is quicker too, on middle. David tucks it through mid-wicket and crosses over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, SIX! That has gone back many a mile! Floated up, full and on middle. Miller clears the front leg, reaches out in front and clubs it way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Fractionally short from around the wicket, around off. Miller makes room and slaps it to cover.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, Just four singles off Pandya's first over, tidy stuff. Back of a length, over leg, tucked away between square leg and mid-wicket for one.

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, Good length at the stumps, tapped down to long on for a run.

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, That's well bowled! Pandya brings out the bouncer and bowls it at just 126 kph, but directs it well from around off. The spongy bounce means the ball comes in at around head height, and Brevis sways away from the line of the delivery.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, Length again, on the fuller side and on off, punched with a straight bat and down to long off for a single.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, On a good length around off, sticks in the deck a bit and Miller just pushes it out into the off side.

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, Starts with a length ball, darting it in towards off and middle. Brevis covers the line and dabs it down to mid on for a single.

Good last 3 overs for South Africa, 32 off it. The umpires are getting some repair work done on the ball. Looks like the thread of the seam has popped out. Hardik Pandya comes into the attack, the 5th bowling option of the night for India.

Washington Sundar to David Miller, FOUR! That's brilliant batting from Miller, who knows this ground so well. Flighted ball, just outside off, David Miller makes a bit of room and drives it through extra cover for a boundary. 11 off Sundar's first over.

Washington Sundar to Dewald Brevis, Dragged length, outside off, Dewald Brevis sets up for the big shot but holds back and slaps it through cover-point for a run.

Washington Sundar to David Miller, Around the wicket to the left-hander. Nagging length, angled in quickly from outside off. Miller backs away and cuts it hard to deep backward point for one more.

Washington Sundar to Dewald Brevis, Shortish length on the pads, tucked away off the back foot and to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Washington Sundar to Dewald Brevis, A tad fuller than the previous one, slower too and on off, Brevis hops back to push it back onto the deck.

Washington Sundar to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! Brevis welcomes Sundar into the attack with a powerful shot. Fractionally short around off, Dewald Brevis rocks back and punches it firmly and well wide of sweeper cover for a boundary.

DRINKS BREAK! India's powerplay, without a doubt but a good finish to that phase for South Africa. This is the first time the Proteas have lost three wickets in the Powerplay at this World Cup, so they find themselves in unfamiliar territory in this tournament. David Miller, though, has started positively. The boundaries he has struck have come through proper cricketing shots, and that will be key on this surface, which looks slightly on the slower side. Washington Sundar to roll his arm over after the break.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, Good-length delivery, over the top of off, Miller opts to block it off. South Africa are 41/3 at the end of the Powerplay.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, A bit fuller now and outside off, driven firmly but straight to short extra cover.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, FOUR! Sweetly timed by Miller. Back of a length and around off, Miller presses back and just punches it on the up, picking the gap at covers for another boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, WIDE. Too high! Attempted bumper from Arshdeep, dug in well short and over the stumps, Miller ducks under it.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, FOUR! You can hear the silence whenever a boundary is struck. Banged in short over middle, doesn't rise up much, Miller stands tall and pulls it down through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to David Miller, Fuller in length, attacking the middle stump, Miller gets inside the line and clips it across to backward square leg.

Arshdeep Singh to Dewald Brevis, Back of a length, going away from the off pole, Brevis lets the ball come on and glides it through backward point for one.

One more over of Jasprit Bumrah in the Powerplay? Nope. Arshdeep Singh replaces him with a change of ends. 2-0-12-1 so far for Arshdeep.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Should have been another boundary. Short and wide outside off, Miller rocks back and cuts it hard but straight to the fielder at extra cover.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, FOUR! That's a confident shot. Slightly tossed up on off, David Miller gets on the front foot and hits through the line, lofting it over mid off for a boundary. Some respite here for the Proteas.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, FOUR! EDGED AWAY! Nagging length on off, pushing the ball in. David Miller lunges to defend down the line and does so with soft hands. The ball takes the outside edge and goes down wide of first slip, rolling away to the deep third fence.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Fuller and outside off, driven through the gap between point and covers for a couple of runs. Miller is off the mark.

Varun Chakaravarthy to David Miller, Oh, beaten straight up! Varun comes around the wicket to the left-hander, bowls it quicker and around off. The ball skids on and beats the outside edge of the bat of Miller, who tries to drive it away.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Wider on the crease, angled into the pads, Brevis leans ahead and clips it behind square leg for a single.

Ryan Rickelton makes the slow walk back. David Miller comes out to bat. The Proteas need an experienced head in the middle now more than ever. First look at spin as Varun Chakaravarthy comes on.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! GONE! Another one bites the dust! Slower delivery? Oh, yes, Jasprit Bumrah does it with the off-cutter. Serves it full, and on middle and off. Rickelton is undone by the slowness of the delivery as he gets forward to push, but instead chips it straight to mid off. Shivam Dube bends forward and holds onto it. So hard for any batter to pick the slowness of the delivery. Ryan Rickelton is the latest victim of Bumrah's mastery.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, Touch fuller, outside off, tempts Rickelton to drive as Bumrah offers some width. Ryan hits it well but Tilak Varma at cover dives to his left and saves a certain boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, South Africa are playing to the field currently. Drags the length back and bowls it on the hips. Rickelton picks off the pads and clips it straight to mid-wicket.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, Jasprit Bumrah keeps it full and bowls it around off, Rickelton drills it down to mid on.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dewald Brevis, Overpitched, drifting on middle and leg. Brevis nudges it to mid-wicket and runs across.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dewald Brevis, Touch too full and on middle and leg, Brevis shows the full face of the bat as he drives but finds the mid on fielder.

Arshdeep Singh to Ryan Rickelton, SIX! For the first time, the decibel levels drop in Ahmedabad. Easy pickings for Rickelton. Banged in short, angling on leg, Rickelton swivels and pulls it behind square leg for a biggie.

Arshdeep Singh to Dewald Brevis, Fuller-length delivery, around off, Brevis opens the face of the bat at the last moment and places it past point for a single.

Both openers back in the hut inside 3 overs for South Africa. Dewald Brevis makes his way out to the centre.

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, OUT! TAKEN! Arshdeep Singh spreads his arms now. India's front-line pacers pick up the Proteas openers. Excellent start by India. Singh pushes in a fuller delivery, outside off, angled across the batter. Aiden Markram tries to lift it away, but the angle is against him. He fails to get the elevation. Aiden hits it straight to mid off, where Hardik Pandya holds onto it.

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Pitches it a bit fuller and the ball bounces a bit more after holding in the deck, attacking the top of off. Aiden Markram punches it nicely but straight to mid off.

Arshdeep Singh to Ryan Rickelton, Singh steams in and serves it fuller and around off, jagging back in very late. Rickelton plays through the line to mid off and scampers across for a quick single.

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Back of a length delivery, outside off. Aiden Markram leans and punches it to deep cover for a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, Oh, a beauty from Jasprit Bumrah to close the over. Nipping away, Bumrah angles a length ball across the left-hander. Ryan Rickelton pokes, and he is beaten on the outside edge.

One left-hander replaces the other. Here's Ryan Rickelton at number 3. Bumrah switches to over the wicket for the new batter.

Jasprit Bumrah to Quinton de Kock, OUT! TIMBER! Jasprit Bumrah spreads his arms in the air as he picks up the opening wicket. Just a fraction shorter than a good length, attacking the stumps. The ball lands and nips back in. Quinton de Kock is rooted in his crease as he swings across the line but fails to connect. The ball zips past the inside edge and clips the top of the leg pole. Quinton de Kock will be disappointed with his shot selection.

Jasprit Bumrah to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! Aerial but well in the gap. First boundary of the game. Jasprit Bumrah misses his length by a lot as he dishes out a full toss, outside off. Quinton de Kock strokes it in the gap, past cover for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Bumrah drags his length back and bowls it around off. Aiden Markram forces his shot on the off side and inside edges it to long leg. Rinku Singh does the sweeping job in the deep. Just a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Touch fuller and on middle, drifting in late. Aiden Markram tries to play with a straight bat but it goes off the inner half to mid on.

Jasprit Bumrah to Quinton de Kock, Jasprit Bumrah begins with a fuller delivery, around off, seaming away from round the wicket. Quinton de Kock gets a thickish outside edge as he pushes out in front. Gets it past point for a single.

The early signs suggest the wicket is a touch on the slower side. Jasprit Bumrah will steam in from the other end.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Leg bye! A stifled appeal for LBW, and the Ahmedabad crowd joins in chorus too, but the umpire turns it down. A good length delivery, around off, swinging in late. Quinton de Kock plants his front foot across to paddle but misses and gets hit on the pads. The impact looked outside the line. A leg bye is taken.

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Tap and run! A nagging length delivery, around off, not much movement seen. Aiden Markram drops it in front of cover for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, QDK is off the mark! Keeps it on the shorter side, outside off. De Kock punches it square on the off side for a run.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Singh bowls into the surface and on middle, tucking Quinton de Kock inside his crease. QDK taps it back on the deck.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Back of a length and around off, with a little bit of inward movement in the air. Quinton de Kock stays back and chops it straight to the man standing at a wide second slip.

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Aiden Markram and South Africa are away! On a good length and outside off, angling well away from the batter. Aiden Markram nicely pushes it to deep point for a single.

The national anthems are done, and we are all set for the action to begin. Suryakumar Yadav has gathered his men for a huddle with the skipper doing all the talking. It will be the left-hand, right-hand combination of Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram to open the innings for South Africa. Arshdeep Singh will open the attack for India. It will be interesting to see if the left-arm seamer gets any movement through the air. Arshdeep to Markram with a slip in place. The wait is over, and away we go...

The giant flags have been unfurled, and it is now time for the national anthems. Ravi Shastri expects a crowd of over 80,000 to turn up tonight in Ahmedabad. It is a sea of blue as you would expect. Suryakumar Yadav and Aiden Markram lead their troops out, along with the mascots. It will be the national anthem of South Africa first, followed by that of the home side.

Important to follow good habits - The Indian skipper, Suryakumar Yadav says he would have batted first as well, but he is not too disappointed with the outcome of the toss. He mentions there was a little bit in the wicket early on during the Netherlands game and hopes that is the case tonight as well. Tells that it is a big game and he sees it as a good occasion for everyone to show their character. SKY hopes the team can entertain the crowd. Believes that although there are 3 games in the Super 8s, they need to land that punch from ball one and bring good energy to the field. Informs that they are going with the same team as the last game. Admits that it is a bit harsh on Axar Patel, who misses out but it is a tactical call.

Ready for the challenge - The captain of South Africa, Aiden Markram says they will bat first as it looks like a really good cricket, a little drier than they thought and a bit tacky too. Reckons the boys are in good form, confident and are ready to turn up. Mentions that they are fortunate to play here multiple times and reckons they are playing on a black soil wicket today. Informs that they have made four changes, with all the front-line players back in the team.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller (In for Jason Smith), Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen (In for Kwena Maphaka), Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj (In for George Linde) and Lungi Ngidi (In for Anrich Nortje).

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah.

TOSS - Time for the coin to go up in Ahmedabad. Suryakumar Yadav and Aiden Markram have made their way out to the centre, accompanied by match referee Ranjan Madugalle. Ravi Shastri gets the crowd going as he belts out the introduction of the three men who matter at the toss. 'Tails' is the call from Markram, and he gets it right. South Africa elect to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Ravi Shastri is out in the middle. He shares that the temperature is hovering in the low 30s, 32 degrees Celsius to be exact. Tells that the boundary dimensions read 64 and 67 metres square, with 72 metres straight down the ground. Shaun Pollock joins him, and he informs that this is pitch number five, a black soil surface. Mentions that this is the same wicket where India played South Africa in a T20I in December last year, in which India scored 231 and in reply, South Africa posted 201. Pollock adds that the average first innings score at this venue is 192, the highest among the Indian grounds hosting matches at this World Cup. He also points out that there is a little less grass compared to some of the earlier games here, with a few more visible cracks on the surface. Even so, it looks like a good wicket that should hold up well throughout the contest. With the river close to the ground, Pollock does wonder whether dew could become a factor later in the evening.

Chaos in the chase - In case you stepped out after a dominant first half from Sri Lanka in Pallekele, you are in for a surprise. Chasing 147, Sri Lanka have been bowled out for just 95 in 16.4 overs. Yes, you read that right. What looked like a straightforward chase never took off, largely due to a self-implosion from the Lankan batters. England have come away with a 51-run win, who would have thought, especially after the struggles right throughout with the bat for Harry Brook and his men.

Bowlers in the spotlight - Ahmedabad may have seen plenty of runs, but as the saying goes, batters win you games, but bowlers win you tournaments. So let us take a look at the men who could tilt this contest with the ball. Varun Chakaravarthy is India's premier weapon in the middle overs, especially between overs 7 and 16, heading into the Super 8s. Since the last World Cup, he has taken the most wickets (54) in this phase. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj have caused India plenty of trouble in recent T20Is. Both are among the top three wicket takers against India in the format since 2022.

Runs versus restraint - South Africa's batting has been one of the standout features of the tournament so far. They scored at 9.4 runs per over in the group stage, the second best in the competition, and maintained a batting average of 39.4, which was the third highest. Up against them is arguably the most disciplined bowling attack of the group phase. India conceded just 6.9 runs per over, the best economy rate in the tournament, and also had the second-best bowling strike rate of 13.

Clash of the Titans - Hello and a warm welcome, everyone. A blockbuster clash in Ahmedabad awaits us as two heavyweights of the tournament lock horns. Both sides sailed through the group stage unbeaten, but all of that now counts for little. The Super 8s bring a fresh start and zero margin for error. One slip here and you immediately find yourself playing catch-up in a short and unforgiving phase.

... MATCH DAY ...

The sequel nobody wants to miss - Let us rewind to June 2024. Kensington Oval, Barbados. South Africa were cruising in the T20 World Cup final, one hand on the trophy, when Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh produced a spell for the ages to rip it away and leave the Proteas heartbroken. Fast forward to 2026 and the two heavyweights collide again, this time in Match 3 of the Super 8s at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. And this is no ordinary Super 8 group, with West Indies and Zimbabwe also in the mix, two other unbeaten group toppers, this has quickly become the tournament's toughest pool. Perfect group stages, different paths - Both sides arrive unbeaten. South Africa swept past New Zealand, Canada and UAE comfortably, but their defining moment came in that unforgettable clash against Afghanistan - a double Super Over epic that will live long in World Cup folklore. India, too, topped their group with four wins, brushing aside Netherlands and Namibia and dominating Pakistan, but they had to dig deep in their opener against USA, rescued by Suryakumar Yadav's match-winning 84 off 49. India's firepower - India may not have hit absolute top gear yet, but they have found match-winners at every turn. Ishan Kishan smashed a blistering 77 against Pakistan on a slow Colombo surface, Shivam Dube hammered 66 off 31 against Netherlands, and Hardik Pandya has delivered crucial all-round impact time and again. Add Rinku Singh's finishing prowess and India's tally of 40 sixes - the most in the group stage, with Kishan contributing 11 and the batting depth looks formidable. The bowling have been pretty sharp. Varun Chakravarthy has been outstanding with nine wickets, bossing the middle overs, Axar Patel has been reliable (and likely returns after being rested), while Bumrah and Arshdeep have been clinical both up front and at the death. A few warning signs - Yet there are cracks to address. The No.1 ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma has three ducks and is yet to score. A concerning pattern has also emerged when Tilak Varma and SKY bat together, both striking under 125 in recent games, particularly struggling against off-spin. India are scoring at just 6.23 against off-spinners, with an average of 13.25, numbers only better than Nepal and Oman. Add nine dropped catches - the second most in the tournament and there are clear areas to tighten up. Markram's men mean business - South Africa have been equally impressive. Aiden Markram has led from the front with two fifties, including a superb 86 against New Zealand, while Ryan Rickelton boasts the highest strike rate in the squad (minimum 10 balls faced). Quinton de Kock has quietly crossed 100 runs, anchoring things smartly at the top. Dewald Brevis, though, is yet to truly ignite this campaign - something that will be on the management's mind but he will take confidence from the white-ball tour of India late last year, where he played a couple of impactful knocks and showed exactly the kind of damage he can inflict on this very opposition. Tristan Stubbs and David Miller continue to finish strongly - Stubbs already a hero for that last-ball six in the first Super Over against Afghanistan. Proteas pace battery firing - Their pace unit has been nothing short of lethal. Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch have combined for 20 wickets, with both Ngidi and Jansen registering four-fers in the tournament. Interestingly, Kagiso Rabada has managed just two wickets in four games so far, while Anrich Nortje returned in the final league fixture to pick up a couple himself, creating a healthy selection dilemma ahead of this clash. The real weapon, though, has been their clever use of off-pace deliveries, consistently unsettling batters at the death and in the Powerplay as well. Add to that the spin options of Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and skipper Aiden Markram, particularly valuable against India's left-hand-heavy batting unit and South Africa possess a bowling attack that is both varied and tactically flexible. Team Form (Last 5 T20Is, latest result first) - India - WWWWW | South Africa - WWWWL. Venue trends and historical edge - Historically, India lead 5-2 in T20 World Cups, though South Africa won their most recent meeting before the 2024 final, in 2022, with Ngidi starring. At this venue, pacers have enjoyed greater success than spinners, and with an average first-innings score of 192, another high-scoring encounter seems likely. South Africa have already adapted well here with wins batting first and chasing under lights, while India also defended successfully in Ahmedabad in their last outing. Built for a thriller - With night conditions favouring batters and two explosive line-ups in top form, this promises to be a heavyweight showdown. The ghosts of Barbados linger, but in Ahmedabad, a new chapter awaits and if history is any guide, expect drama, big hits and a finish worthy of a World Cup classic.