Suryakumar Yadav-led India defeated South Africa by 30 runs in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The game was filled with aggressive hitting and plenty of sixes
Chasing India’s total of 240 for five, South Africa got off to a mixed start. Captain Aiden Markram smashed 38 off 19 balls, including two fours and four sixes, while opener George Linde was dismissed for a duck by Arshdeep Singh. Wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton played a brisk 44 off 21 before falling to Varun Chakravarthy, and Dewald Brevis managed just 2 runs.
Jason Smith contributed 35 off 23 balls, hitting four fours and a six, while Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 45 from 21 deliveries. Marco Jansen struck 31 off 16, including three fours and two sixes, before Abhishek Sharma dismissed him. Corbin Bosch finished unbeaten on 2, but it wasn’t enough as India held on for a 30-run win.
Ishan Kishan Shines in India’s Top Order
Earlier, Ishan Kishan announced his place at the top of India’s batting lineup with a fiery 53 off just 20 balls, striking seven sixes and two fours. Batting alongside Abhishek Sharma, who scored 24 off 17 balls before retiring, Ishan put on an 80-run powerplay stand and set the tone for India’s massive total.
During the fifth over, Ishan tore into Anrich Nortje, hitting four sixes and a four for 29 runs. One memorable shot saw him attempt to evade a bouncer, only for it to ricochet off his bat and sail over fine leg for a six.
Middle and Lower Order Fireworks
After Ishan’s departure, Tilak Varma impressed with 45 off 19 balls, including three sixes and three fours, before being dismissed by Marco Jansen. Suryakumar Yadav contributed 30 off 16 balls, while Axar Patel added 35 off 23.
Hardik Pandya provided a late flourish, hitting 30 off just 10 balls with three sixes and two fours. Rinku Singh made 16 but was struck on the helmet by Bosch.
Brief scores
India 240/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45; Marco Jansen 1/18) beat South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45 not out; Abhishek Sharma 2/32) by 30 runs.