Suryakumar Yadav’s India are currently playing a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. This series is India’s final international outing before the T20 World Cup 2026. The fifth and last T20I will be played on January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram, after which the team will shift focus to the World Cup.
India to face South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up clash
After the New Zealand series, the Indian squad will leave Thiruvananthapuram on February 1 and regroup in Mumbai on February 3. Defending champions India will start their T20 World Cup title defence on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium. Before that, the side will likely to play a warm-up match against South Africa.
When will India's warm-up clash take place?
The practice match is scheduled for February 4 at the DY Patil Stadium and is likely to be India’s only warm-up game before the tournament begins. However, the ICC is yet to officially announce the warm-up schedule.
According to Cricbuzz, India are lined up to face Aiden Markram’s South Africa in the warm-up fixture. While this is the current plan, it could still change due to adjustments in the tournament schedule following Bangladesh’s exit from the competition.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur honoured with Padma Shri; Know full list of awardees here
Officials from the BCCI and Cricket South Africa have acknowledged that talks are ongoing but stopped short of confirming the match, as the ICC has not made an official announcement yet. The delay is mainly due to uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation. With Scotland now confirmed as their replacement in the 20-team tournament, the ICC is expected to release the warm-up schedule on Monday. Unless there is a last-minute change, the India vs South Africa game should go ahead as planned.
India's Group in T20 World Cup 2026
India have been placed in Group A along with Pakistan, the Netherlands, the United States and Namibia. South Africa, who finished runners-up in the previous edition, are in Group D with Canada, Afghanistan, New Zealand and the UAE. South Africa will begin their campaign against Canada on February 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.