Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium set the stage for an electrifying T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter as South Africa clinched the toss against India and chose to set the tone by batting first. Captain Aiden Markram’s decision came with four strategic tweaks to the playing XI, including the return of pace ace Lungi Ngidi, all-rounder Marco Jansen, and spinner Keshav Maharaj.
India, riding high on an unbeaten group stage run, opted for continuity, fielding the same eleven that delivered flawless victories. Suryakumar Yadav, the cool-headed captain, admitted post-toss that batting first was his preference too.
Markram emphasized team motivation: ‘Everyone gets a shot to shine here. We’ve played on this pitch before, which helps.’ South Africa’s batting firepower is led by Markram’s 178 runs (187 SR) and Rickelton’s explosive 145 (190 SR). Their bowling, bolstered by Ngidi’s returns, poses a real test.
Team India boasts depth across departments. Ishan Kishan’s 176 runs at 202 SR headline the batting, complemented by Suryakumar’s 162. Varun Chakaravarthy’s 9 wickets make him indispensable, with Bumrah and Pandya rounding out a lethal attack.
Both sides advanced unbeaten from groups, making this a clash of invincibles. Playing XIs:
India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj.
Fans brace for a batting paradise turned battleground as Proteas open the innings.