Team India’s invincible run in ICC events came to a shuddering halt on Sunday in Ahmedabad. South Africa handed them a 76-run thrashing in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage, bowling India out for 111 while defending 187.
The Proteas’ innings was built around David Miller’s match-defining 63 from 35 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes. Dewald Brevis’ 45 off 29 added impetus. Despite losing 7 wickets, South Africa set a testing target. Jasprit Bumrah shone with 3/15, keeping India in the hunt initially.
But the batting lineup disintegrated spectacularly. Ishan Kishan was out for nought, Abhishek Sharma scratched 15, Tilak Varma managed 1, and captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for 18 to Corbin Bosch. Shivam Dube’s 42 was the highest score, but the middle order caved in against quality bowling.
Marco Jansen’s devastating 4 wickets for 22 runs in under four overs, combined with Keshav Maharaj’s 3-fer, triggered the collapse. This is India’s first ICC loss since the 2023 World Cup, snapping a 17-game streak, and their largest by runs in T20 World Cup history.
The defeat serves as a wake-up call, highlighting vulnerabilities in the batting order during chases. As Super 8 progresses, strategic tweaks will be crucial for India’s title aspirations.