Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed a nightmare for Indian cricket fans on Sunday as Team India capitulated to 111 against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage. Tasked with chasing 188, the hosts imploded spectacularly, handing South Africa a 76-run victory—the biggest margin by runs India has ever endured in T20 World Cup.
This batting meltdown snaps India’s dominant run that began post their 2022 semifinal heartbreak against England. The 111 now ranks as India’s third-worst T20 World Cup score, behind the infamous 79 in Ahmedabad versus New Zealand (2016) and 110 against the Kiwis in 2021. Other low points include 118 vs South Africa (2009) and 119 vs Pakistan (2024), the latter ending in a famous chase.
South Africa’s bowlers dominated, exposing frailties in India’s top order under scoreboard pressure. The defeat craters India’s net run rate, turning semifinals into a distant dream unless they register huge wins ahead.
Next up, India battles Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26, followed by West Indies in Kolkata on March 1. Captain and team will need to regroup swiftly, channeling desperation into dominance to salvage their title aspirations. The cricket world watches as India stares down a do-or-die scenario.