In a high-octane clash at Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa posted a formidable 187 for 7 against India in their T20 World Cup Super 8 opener. The Proteas’ explosive trio of Dewald Brevis, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs turned the game on its head after a shaky start, setting India a challenging 188 to chase on Sunday.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, but their innings began disastrously. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, castling Quinton de Kock for 6 in the 1.5th over. Captain Aiden Markram followed soon after for 4, and Ryan Rickelton departed for 7 by the end of the fourth over. At 20 for 3, the visitors were in deep trouble.
Enter Dewald Brevis, who steadied the ship with a brisk 45 off 29 balls, smashing three fours and three sixes. His 97-run partnership with David Miller off 50 balls rescued the innings. Brevis fell short of a half-century, but Miller took charge, blistering 63 off 35 deliveries with seven fours and three sixes.
Tristan Stubbs then unleashed havoc, remaining unbeaten on 44 from 24 balls, including four boundaries. Their efforts propelled South Africa to a competitive total. India’s bowlers fought back, with Bumrah leading the charge—3 for 15 in four overs. Arshdeep Singh claimed 2 wickets, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Shivam Dube picked up one each.
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav will look to his top order—Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma—to fire in the chase. With Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and the pace battery at his disposal, the hosts aim to kick off their Super 8 campaign with a bang. Can Team India overhaul the target under lights? The stadium buzzes with anticipation.