Navi Mumbai, February 4, 2026 – Defending champions India made a resounding statement ahead of their T20 World Cup title defense, defeating South Africa by 30 runs in a high-scoring warm-up encounter at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy.
In a match defined by explosive batting and tactical rotations, India’s top order fired on all cylinders to post a mammoth 240/6, a target that proved too steep for the Proteas despite late resistance from Tristan Stubbs.
Kishan and Abhishek Spark Powerplay Carnage
After winning the toss and opting to bat, India’s opening duo of Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma dismantled the South African pace attack. Kishan, locked in a tight battle with Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeper-batter slot, likely ended the debate with a scorching 53 off just 20 balls, featuring seven massive sixes.
Abhishek Sharma provided ample support with a quickfire 24 before both openers retired out to allow the middle order valuable time in the middle. Tilak Varma (45 off 19) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (30 off 16) maintained the momentum, before Hardik Pandya applied the finishing touches with a brutal 10-ball 30.
South Africa’s Chase Stutters Early
The Proteas’ pursuit of 241 began on the worst possible note. Arshdeep Singh struck with the very first over, dismissing George Linde for a duck. Skipper Aiden Markram (38 retired out) and Ryan Rickelton (44 off 21) briefly kept South Africa in the hunt with a 65-run stand, but the introduction of India’s spinners slowed the scoring rate significantly.
Abhishek Sharma proved his utility as an all-rounder, picking up 2/32, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel kept things tight through the middle overs.
Stubbs’ Late Heroics Not Enough
With the game slipping away, Tristan Stubbs unleashed a late onslaught, smashing an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls*, including three consecutive sixes off Shivam Dube in the final over. Marco Jansen also contributed a brisk 31, but the mounting required rate ensured India remained in control, eventually restricting South Africa to 210/7.
Brief Scores:
- India: 240/6 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45)
- South Africa: 210/7 in 20 overs (Tristan Stubbs 45*, Ryan Rickelton 44)
- Result: India won by 30 runs.
What’s Next: India begins their official T20 World Cup campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7.
