India and South Africa clash in a blockbuster Super Eights encounter as two unbeaten sides battle for early control of the semifinal race in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Match 43 at Ahmedabad sets the stage for a high-quality contest between form teams with momentum firmly on their side.
Match details
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST, 6:30 PM PST, 1:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
India
India enter the Super Eights after a dominant group-stage campaign, finishing top of Group A with four wins from four matches and a net run rate of 2.500. They opened with a controlled 29-run win over the USA and followed it with a commanding 93-run victory against Namibia. India then produced one of their most complete performances with a 61-run win over Pakistan before closing the group stage unbeaten with a 17-run victory against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad. Their batting depth and disciplined bowling have worked in tandem, making them one of the most balanced sides in the tournament.
South Africa
South Africa matched India’s consistency in Group D, also finishing unbeaten with four victories and a net run rate of 1.943. They began their campaign with a convincing 57-run win over Canada and then edged Afghanistan in a dramatic double Super Over contest. Comfortable wins against New Zealand and the UAE followed, highlighting their adaptability across conditions. South Africa have relied on collective performances rather than individual brilliance, which has kept them steady under pressure.
Key players
India will look toward their top and middle order to continue providing stability and acceleration. Ishan Kishan has emerged as a consistent run-scorer at the top, while the middle order has offered finishing strength. With the ball, Varun Chakravarthy has controlled games through tight spells, allowing the pace attack to strike at crucial moments.
For South Africa, their batting unit has shown flexibility, adjusting tempos based on match situations. The pace attack remains their primary weapon, supported by all-round options who have added balance to both departments.
Head-to-head record
India and South Africa have shared a competitive T20 rivalry over the years. The two sides have faced each other 35 times in the format, with India winning 21 matches and South Africa securing 13 victories. One match ended in a tie or no result. Their first T20 meeting took place on December 1, 2006, while the most recent encounter occurred on December 19, 2025.
Pitch report
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad offers excellent batting conditions, with true bounce and good carry allowing batters to score freely. The large outfield dimensions encourage placement and running between the wickets, but mistimed shots can still find gaps. Bowlers must remain disciplined with their lines and lengths, as any loose deliveries often result in boundary-scoring opportunities.
Probable match scenarios
If India bat first, they will aim to build a solid powerplay before accelerating through the middle overs to post a challenging total. South Africa, while chasing, will back their batting depth to maintain composure and exploit any pressure moments. If South Africa bat first, India’s bowlers will focus on early wickets to restrict momentum and control scoring through spin in the middle overs.
Probable playing XIs
India: Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be televised on JioStar Network channels and streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.
In Pakistan, viewers can watch the match on PTV Sports and A Sports, with digital streaming available on official platforms.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Go will provide live coverage.
In Australia, fans can stream the match live on Prime Video.
Global audiences can follow official ICC broadcast partners and regional digital platforms carrying the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Match prediction
Both teams arrive unbeaten and full of confidence, which sets up a tightly contested Super Eights clash. India’s familiarity with conditions in Ahmedabad and their strong spin options give them a slight edge, but South Africa’s pace firepower and batting depth keep the contest evenly poised. With conditions favoring controlled bowling under lights, the team bowling first holds a marginal advantage.
