India’s powerful batting display continued ahead of the men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they defeated South Africa by 30 runs in a warm-up match at the DY Patil Stadium.
After choosing to bat, Ishan Kishan gave India a flying start. He smashed 53 runs off just 20 balls, including a stunning over with 6, 6, 4, 6 against Anrich Nortje, before retiring out. India reached 83 for 1 in the powerplay.
Tilak Varma looked confident from the start and scored a quick 45 off 19 balls. Later, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya attacked freely as India posted a massive total of 240 for 5.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled to control the run flow. Nortje conceded 57 runs in three overs, while Kagiso Rabada gave away 44 runs in his three overs.
In reply, South Africa started strongly with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton adding 65 runs in just five overs. Markram hit four sixes in his 38 off 19 balls, while Rickelton scored 44 from 21 deliveries.
However, regular wickets hurt South Africa’s chase. Half of the team was back in the pavilion by the 11th over, putting them under pressure.
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Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, and Marco Jansen tried to fight back with late boundaries, especially targeting Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube, but the target was too big to chase.
India’s batting depth looks dangerous ahead of the World Cup. Kishan’s early aggression set the tone. South Africa’s bowlers and middle order still need answers.
