22 February,2026 09:42 AM IST | Ahmedabad | R Kaushik
All eyes will be on in-form pacer Lungi Ngidi to provide South Africa with crucial breakthroughs
In the 20 months since they played out an epic final in the previous T20 World Cup, India and South Africa have locked horns eight times. Suryakumar Yadav's men have lorded those showdowns 6-2, winning by identical 3-1 margins in South Africa in November 2024 and at home last December. But neither that, nor the fact that India hold a significant 21-13 edge in head-to-heads, will count for anything here.
Sunday will mark the first outing for both all-win sides in the Super Eights. South Africa have played here thrice previously in the last fortnight, but India know this venue extremely well, having had plenty of red and white-ball experience internationally and at the franchise level. There is no element of surprise on any front; the sides are familiar with each other's brands of play as well as strengths and weaknesses. Sunday, therefore, will be decided by who plays better on the right night rather than any sleight of hand or a dramatic alteration in game plans.
South Africa have been in prime form, brushing aside challengers New Zealand and Afghanistan in what was projected as the Group of Death. India haven't yet touched top gear, but have still been unstoppable, showcasing their adaptability and the propensity to think on their feet on being greeted by pitches that have compelled them to dial down their all-out aggression to a significant degree.
In their last three outings, India have found right-arm off-spin with the new ball a problem area, and they can expect to be tested up front with that variation by South African captain Aiden Markram. The onus will be on the left-handed opening duo of the irrepressible Ishan Kishan and the run-less Abhishek Sharma to undertake the twin responsibilities of assessing the conditions and relaying information back to the dugout, and getting on the bike and racing away if, for the first time in five games, they have a batting beauty to contend with.
Abhishek's tournament has yet to get going and if he is feeling self-imposed heat after a hat-trick of noughts, that's perfectly understandable. But the opener has the total backing of the team management; there is also something to be said for the resilience of youth and the 25-year-old has revealed himself to be a sponge that can absorb pressure superbly. This is uncharted territory for him; expect a stirring riposte as India eye a winning start to their Super Eights campaign.
