South Africa produced a ruthless all-round display to hand India a crushing 76-run defeat in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, ending the Men in Blue’s unbeaten run and significantly denting their semifinal hopes.
After recovering from an early wobble with the bat, the Proteas’ bowlers, led by Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, ripped through India’s batting order to seal one of the most emphatic wins of the tournament.
Miller, Brevis rescue South Africa
Opting to bat first, South Africa were in early trouble at 20/3, courtesy of a fiery spell from Jasprit Bumrah and a breakthrough from Arshdeep Singh. Bumrah struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, while Arshdeep removed captain Aiden Markram.
However, David Miller and Dewald Brevis steadied the innings with a counter-attacking 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Brevis struck 45 off 29 balls, combining clean hitting with composure under pressure.
Miller took charge thereafter, smashing 63 off 35 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes. A late unbeaten 44 from Tristan Stubbs powered South Africa to a commanding 187/7 in 20 overs.
Bumrah was India’s standout bowler with 3/15, becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history, surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin’s tally of 32 wickets.
India collapses under pressure
Chasing 188, India endured a nightmare start. Aiden Markram struck early to remove Ishan Kishan for a duck, before Marco Jansen dismissed Tilak Varma in the next over. At 5/2 inside two overs, the damage was immediate.
Abhishek Sharma showed brief promise with 15 off 12 balls, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed 18, but India’s top order crumbled under relentless pressure.
The decision to promote Washington Sundar backfired as he fell cheaply, and once Hardik Pandya was dismissed for 18, the innings unravelled.
Keshav Maharaj’s three-wicket burst in the 15th over effectively ended the contest, reducing India to 88/8. Shivam Dube fought a lone battle with 42 off 37 balls, but lacked support at the other end.
India were eventually bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs.
Jansen starred with 4/22, while Maharaj claimed 3/24 in a match-defining spell.
Semifinal equation tightens
The heavy defeat leaves India’s net run rate in negative territory, meaning they will likely need comprehensive wins in their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to stay in semifinal contention.
For South Africa, the commanding victory strengthens their position in the Super Eight stage and underlines their credentials as serious title contenders.
Brief scores:
South Africa 187/7 (David Miller 63, Dewald Brevis 45; Jasprit Bumrah 3/15)
India 111 (Shivam Dube 42; Marco Jansen 4/22, Keshav Maharaj 3/24)
South Africa won by 76 runs.
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