Jasprit Bumrah Stars with Record Spell, Suryakumar Yadav’s DRS Call Pays Off As South Africa Post 187/7 vs India
Jasprit Bumrah produced a clinical spell in the death overs, finishing with exceptional figures of 3 for 15, but a late assault from Tristan Stubbs off Hardik Pandya in the final over powered South Africa to 187/7 in 20 overs in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 opener against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday.
Varun Chakaravarthy was the key wicket-taker in the death phase, dismissing David Miller for 63 to prevent the Proteas from crossing the 200-run mark. Miller had earlier shifted the course of the innings with a blistering 26-ball fifty, putting significant pressure on Suryakumar Yadav’s side as South Africa rebuilt from a precarious position of four wickets down.
When three quick wickets had South Africa in trouble, Miller launched a confident counterattack to stabilise the innings. India responded by bringing Hardik Pandya into the attack in a bid to stem the flow of runs and break the partnership.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bat first, sending India into the field. The defending champions sprang a selection surprise, retaining Washington Sundar in the XI and leaving Axar Patel out for another match.
This Super 8 fixture marks the first game at this stage for both sides in a group where net run rate is expected to play a decisive role. India enter the contest with strong statistical form Ishan Kishan has been their most explosive batter, amassing 176 runs at a strike rate exceeding 200, while Suryakumar Yadav has contributed 162 runs at an average of 54, blending aggression with stability. Varun Chakaravarthy has been India’s standout bowler in the middle overs, claiming 9 wickets across 12 overs at an economy rate of 5.16.
South Africa arrive with equally impressive numbers. Markram leads their batting with 178 runs at a strike rate close to 190, while Ryan Rickelton has contributed 145 runs at a similar tempo. Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen with 8 and 7 wickets respectively in the group stage give their bowling attack both early movement and the ability to take wickets in the middle overs.
The two sides last met at a T20 World Cup in the 2024 final at Bridgetown. India posted 176 for 7 before Bumrah and Pandya dismantled South Africa’s chase in the closing overs, with India clinching a seven-run victory to lift the title. South Africa had needed 30 runs off the final five overs and appeared on track before the Indian pace duo intervened.