In a stunning reversal of their 2024 World Cup final encounter, South Africa delivered a commanding performance to crush defending champions India by 76 runs in their Super Eight Group One match of the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday. The comprehensive victory at Narendra Modi Stadium served as a powerful statement of intent from the Proteas, establishing them as serious title contenders.
South Africa’s innings began disastrously after captain Aiden Markram elected to bat first, collapsing to 20-3 within the powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah (3-15) and Arshdeep Singh dismantled the top order, removing openers Quinton de Kock and Markram before Bumrah’s clever change of pace deceived Ryan Rickelton.
The match turned dramatically through a spectacular 97-run partnership between David Miller and Dewald Brevis. Miller’s explosive 63 from 26 balls, earning him player-of-the-match honors, combined with Brevis’ solid 45, engineered a remarkable recovery. Tristan Stubbs provided the final flourish with an unbeaten 44 from 24 deliveries, propelling South Africa to a competitive 187-7.
India’s response never gained momentum, crumbling under scoreboard pressure from the outset. Markram’s strategic decision to open with off-spin against India’s left-handed top order paid immediate dividends, removing the in-form Ishan Kishan in the first over. Marco Jansen compounded the crisis by dismissing Tilak Varma in the second over.
The hosts’ innings unraveled completely when Keshav Maharaj delivered a decisive 15th over, removing Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Arshdeep Singh in quick succession. Shivam Dube’s fighting 42 provided minimal consolation as India collapsed to 111 all out in 18.5 overs, suffering their first defeat of the tournament.
Jansen finished with impressive figures of 4-22, including the wickets of Dube and Bumrah with consecutive deliveries. The victory not only avenged South Africa’s previous final loss to India but demonstrated their capability to perform under extreme pressure against quality opposition.