T20 World Cup: India hopes for extended winning streak while South Africa wants to alter cricketing fortunes

Much water has flowed down the Sabarmati since India and South Africa clashed at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad last December. Suryakumar Yadav’s men clinched that fifth T20I to seize the series at 3-1. Now at the same venue, the two units will square up against each other in the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eight Group 1 match on Sunday (February 22, 2026).

Having played three Group D games at Ahmedabad, South Africa is clued into the surface. Yet, this awareness may not negate the host’s advantage that India naturally has. The Men in Blue also played their last encounter here against Netherlands.

Aiden Markram’s men have some history to brood over. In the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup final at Bridgetown, South Africa lost to Rohit Sharma’s men by seven runs. Cut to the present, the visitors know that defending champion India is a potent threat.

India won all its Group A outings but the results cannot mask some areas of concern. Atop the batting tree, Abhishek Sharma’s three ducks may cause some worry but he is a rare talent, even as Sanju Samson remains an option.

The host found its heroes in every game, with Shivam Dube sparkling against Netherlands. Along with Hardik Pandya, Dube adds value to the all-rounder zone within the Indian playing eleven. Losing wickets in clusters has often shadowed India, and now as the championship veers towards its business end, solidity and extra runs remain imperative.

The South African batters can strike hard and that would be a challenge to an Indian attack helmed by Jasprit Bumrah. The spinners will have to rein in the rival batters. Men like Quinton de Kock, thanks to the Indian Premier League, have a sense of the Indian bowlers. Much would hinge on South African speedsters like Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, and their tussle with the India’s top-order.

In its campaign so far, South Africa has been on cruise mode except during the scare that Afghanistan nearly inflicted in a clash that spilled into two super overs. Against India, Markram’s troops have an opportunity to find a second wind.

The ICC Test Championship mace rests with the Proteas, but in limited overs cricket, it has often been a tale of heartbreak. South Africa wants to alter its cricketing fortunes while India hopes for an extended winning streak. Sunday’s face-off should be an adrenaline soaked one.