Aiden Markram’s team was declared a strong contender for the T20 World Cup crown following their decisive victory against co-hosts India, and a hungry South Africa would “keep wanting more” after that.
India’s 12-match winning record at the T20 World Cup, which dates back to 2022, came to an abrupt end on Sunday when 80,000 spectators in Ahmedabad were silenced as the home team was defeated by 76 runs. South Africa scored 187/7 in their Super Eights opener, and India, batting second for the first time in the competition, fell to 111 all out.
David Miller built an innings after South Africa lost early wickets and were 20/3 in the powerplay, demonstrating to India’s highly regarded lineup how to bat on a sluggish Ahmedabad surface. As Miller hit 63 off 35 balls in a well-paced performance, he put on 97 for the fourth wicket with Dewald Brevis (45).
Tristan Stubbs launched a late assault with 44 off 24 balls, including a vital 20 off the final over, because of the platform laid. According to Miller, South Africa realized “that they are beatable” when India’s veil of invincibility was lifted.
“It wasn’t easy. Playing against India is always really difficult and they’ve got some incredible team and players. For us in a tournament like this, it’s about making sure that we do keep going back to the simple things, making sure that we stay in our lane as a player, get the job done and keep wanting more. We’re a mature team. A lot of guys have played together and a lot of cricket for South Africa and that goes a long way under pressure,” AFP quoted Miller telling reporters.
In a rematch of the 2024 final, which India won, fast bowler Marco Jansen took 4/22 and was ably supported by fellow pacer Lungi Ngidi (0/15) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (3/24).
“Look I don’t think anyone was thinking of revenge. It was a big game. But if we lift the trophy, that’s proper revenge — if you want to call it that. But tonight was just another game we needed to win to put ourselves in a better position to challenge for the trophy,” AFP quoted Ngidi telling reporters.
On Monday night in Mumbai, the West Indies will play Zimbabwe in their Super Eights opening match in the same group. Markram’s team might secure a spot in the semi-finals with another victory when they take on the West Indies in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
India must defeat giant-killers Zimbabwe, who have already defeated Australia and Sri Lanka, handily in Chennai on the same day. If not, India will have to defeat the West Indies in their last game, depending on a number of other favorable outcomes.
