The Indian cricket team suffered its first defeat of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in a Super 8 clash against South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. On Sunday, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side suffered a humiliating collapse at the hands of South African bowlers and lost the crucial game by 76 runs.
India’s semifinal chances look bleak after a 67-run defeat to SA
Though, the Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh gave a flying start to the game by reducing the opposition to 20 for 3, however, David Miller played a powerful knock of 63 runs off 35 balls, alongside Dewald Brevis, who added 45 runs to take the scoreboard to a total of 187/7.
Later, chasing a competitive target of 188 runs, the Indian batters suffered a horrible collapse, and none were looking in control, and they were all bundled out for just 111 runs with Marco Jansen taking 4 wickets.
Indian batters were seen struggling to score runs on a tricky pitch, slipping to 51 for 5 in the 10th overs. Keshav Maharaj turned out to be the hero with the ball for SA as he picked three wickets in the 15th over. The loss snapped India’s 12-match unbeaten streak in T20 World Cups and hurt their Net Run Rate, now at -3.80, making their path to the semifinals much harder.
Suryakumar Yadav praised Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh For Their Lethal Bowling
“We were always in the game when we started. Bowled really well in the beginning. From 7-15, they batted really well, and then we came back. Bowled really well but could have batted better,” Suryakumar Yadav said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
He added, “Everyone knows their combination has been lethal. Both bowled eight overs, picked five wickets, and gave up 45-50 runs. They bowl well in partnerships.”
How can Suryakumar Yadav and Co. qualify for the Semifinals after South Africa’s defeat?
After their defeat, the Indian cricket team now faces a difficult road to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026. In order to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals, India needs to win both their remaining matches against West Indies and Zimbabwe. In case they manage to win only one, then they will have to depend upon the performances of the other teams.
Scenario 1: India wins both matches
If India wins both matches, they will have 4 points, which should usually be enough to reach the semifinals. But if two other teams also end up with 4 points, say South Africa wins only one match, and the West Indies-Zimbabwe winner beats South Africa, India’s semifinal spot would depend on Net Run Rate (NRR).
Scenario 2: India wins only one match
If India wins just one match, South Africa must win all theirs, and India’s win must be against the West Indies-Zimbabwe winner. Then, India’s semifinal spot would depend on Net Run Rate.
T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav promises to make a strong comeback
“Sometimes, you have to think you cannot win the game in the power play, but you can lose it. Did not have the partnerships we needed. Part of the game. We will learn from it. Sit back and bounce back,” the Team India captain said.
“And good to have them on our side. (On plans for the next game in Chennai) Hopefully bat well, bowl well, and field well. Keep it simple. That is what we will try to do.”
Remaining Fixtures Of Super 8 Round T20 World Cup 2026:
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Feb 23: West Indies vs Zimbabwe (Mumbai)
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Feb 26: South Africa vs West Indies (Ahmedabad)
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Feb 26: India vs Zimbabwe (Chennai)
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Mar 1: South Africa vs Zimbabwe (Delhi)
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Mar 1: India vs West Indies (Kolkata)
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