The T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage ignited with South Africa winning the crucial toss against India at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, and opting to bat on a batsman-friendly track. Four alterations in the Proteas lineup signal intent: Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj return, aiming to disrupt India’s rhythm.
Unfazed, India retained their invincible group-stage XI. Captain Suryakumar Yadav noted he’d have batted first himself, underscoring the pitch’s allure.
Aiden Markram, exuding confidence, said, ‘Batting first was the plan. We’ve got experience here, and these changes freshen things up.’ South Africa’s form is ominous—Markram (178 runs, 187 SR), Rickelton (145, 190 SR)—while Ngidi looms large with the ball.
India’s campaign has been flawless: Kishan’s 176 runs (202 SR) and Suryakumar’s 162 anchor the top order. Chakaravarthy’s 9 scalps, Pandya’s all-round heroics, and Bumrah’s control form an impregnable unit.
Group stage perfection from both elevates the stakes. Detailed lineups:
India Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram (capt), Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj.
As Proteas stride out, India eyes a chase under lights in this pivotal group decider.