South Africa thrash India by 76 runs in T20 World Cup Super 8 opener

KABUL (Pajhwok): South Africa sent a strong message in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating defending champions India by 76 runs in their opening Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad.

Batting first, the Proteas recovered impressively from early setbacks to post a competitive 187-7, according to the BBC.

They were in early trouble after losing captain Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton for single-digit scores inside the powerplay, slipping to 20-3 in four overs.

David Miller led the fightback with a blistering 65 off 35 balls, while Dewald Brevis contributed a crucial 45 from 29 deliveries.

The pair steadied the innings and rebuilt the total with an aggressive counterattack. Miller reached his half-century in just 26 balls before departing in the 16th over with South Africa well placed at 152-5.

India’s bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh applied pressure at the death, but Tristan Stubbs’ unbeaten 44, including 20 runs off Hardik Pandya’s final over, powered South Africa to a formidable total.

In reply, India struggled from the outset and never looked in control of the chase. Captain Markram struck in the opening over to dismiss Ishan Kishan for a duck, while Marco Jansen removed Tilak Varma soon after. India slumped to 51-5 by the 10th over, effectively ending their resistance.

Although Abhishek Sharma managed 15, and Suryakumar Yadav briefly offered hope, South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack kept tightening the screws.

Keshav Maharaj claimed three wickets in the 15th over, while Jansen finished with impressive figures of 4-22, taking two more wickets in the 19th over to wrap up the innings.

India were bowled out for 111, suffering their first defeat of the tournament after entering the Super 8 stage with four consecutive wins in the group phase.

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