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India Targets Super‑Eight Victory Over South Africa at Ahmedabad on Feb 22, 2026

Updated (21 articles)

India’s unbeaten run sets stage for South Africa clash India entered the Super Eight after winning all four group matches, posting totals of 161/9, 209/9, 175/7 and 193/6 while batting first [3]. The team will face South Africa on Sunday, 22 February 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad [1][3]. Both sides arrived unbeaten in their respective groups, making the encounter a decisive test for tournament momentum.

Abhishek Sharma’s three ducks raise top‑order concerns Opener Sharma recorded three consecutive ducks in eight balls, prompting criticism of India’s left‑handed top order against off‑spin [3]. Captain Suryakumar Yadav publicly defended Sharma, citing his past contributions and urging patience [2]. Yadav also highlighted Tilak Varma’s recent form at number three and stressed the need for stability early in the innings [2].

South Africa banks on power hitting and pace on familiar surface The Proteas have played three Group D games in Ahmedabad, giving them a clear understanding of the pitch conditions [1]. Their strategy centers on hard‑hitting batsmen such as Quinton de Kock and fast bowlers Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi to disrupt India’s batting line‑up [1]. After a narrow escape against Afghanistan that required two super overs, South Africa views the match as a chance to revive its limited‑overs fortunes [1].

India’s bowling spearheads but fielding lapses persist Jasprit Bumrah claimed four wickets at an economy of 6.00, while Varun Chakaravarthy led with nine wickets at 5.16 runs per over [3]. Despite the wicket‑taking success, India’s catching has been described as sub‑par, risking costly missed chances [3]. The death‑overs plan relies on Hardik Pandya’s all‑round abilities and Bumrah’s experience to contain South Africa’s late surge [1].

Yadav outlines overs 7‑15 strategy and downplays toss impact In a press conference on 21 February 2026, Yadav emphasized preserving wickets in the powerplay and targeting 60‑70 runs in the final five overs [2]. He described the toss as “overrated,” asserting that confidence in the bowling unit can defend a solid first‑innings total even with dew [2]. The captain’s remarks framed the upcoming clash as a tactical battle rather than a luck‑driven contest.

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Timeline

1985 – England bowls a record 36 spin overs in an ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah, setting a benchmark that stands for decades [4].

2012 – England successfully defends a low target of 129 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, the lowest total it has ever defended in T20 internationals [2].

2016 – England begins a nine‑match winning streak over Sri Lanka in T20 internationals, a run that continues into 2026 [3].

2007 – India wins its first ICC T20 World Cup under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, establishing a legacy the team seeks to repeat [11].

2024 – India captures a second T20 World Cup title with Rohit Sharma as captain, positioning India as the defending champion for 2026 [11].

2022 – Following the Pahalgam terror attack, cricket boards impose a no‑handshake protocol, a rule still in effect during India‑Pakistan matches [10].

Dec 9 2025 – India beats South Africa by 101 runs in the first T20I at Cuttack, posting 176 and restricting the visitors to 74 [19].

Dec 11 2025 – India prepares for the second T20I in Cuttack with limited practice time, aiming to maintain momentum after the opening win [19].

Dec 14 2025 – India wins the third T20I in Dharamsala by seven wickets, chasing 117 with a dominant chase that sets a venue record low total [17].

Dec 14 2025 – In New Chandigarh, India suffers a 51‑run defeat as Arshdeep Singh concedes 54 runs in four overs without a wicket, highlighting a costly spell [18].

Dec 15 2025 – Arshdeep Singh endures a tough night in New Chandigarh, giving up 54 runs and missing a wicket, while his earlier Cuttack spell had been economical [16].

Dec 20 2025 – India eyes its 12th Under‑19 Asia Cup title, confirming a final against Pakistan in Dubai on Dec 21 2025 [15].

Jan 3 2026 – India U‑19 posts 301/10 in Benoni, steadied by a 137‑run partnership, and wins by 25 runs via DLS after rain halts South Africa’s chase [14].

Jan 22 2026 – Sri Lanka defeats England by 19 runs in Colombo, extending England’s 11th straight ODI loss away from home [5].

Jan 24 2026 – England chases 220 for five wickets at R Premadasa, with Harry Brook calling the pitch “probably the worst” he has ever played on [4].

Jan 30 2026 – Sam Curran claims England’s second T20I hat‑trick, dismissing three Sri Lankan batsmen in the final balls of the 16th over to secure an 11‑run DLS win [3].

Feb 2 2026 – India A posts 238/3 and beats the USA by 38 runs in a T20 World Cup warm‑up, highlighted by Narayan Jagadeesan’s 104‑off‑55 [13].

Feb 3 2026 – England completes a 3‑0 T20 series sweep in Sri Lanka, defending a record low target of 129 with Sam Curran’s career‑best 58 [2].

Feb 4 2026 – Aaron George scores 115 off 104 balls, powering India U‑19 to a record 310‑4 chase in the World Cup, the highest ever in the tournament [12].

Feb 4 2026 – Suryakumar Yadav ends a 14‑month half‑century drought, scores 82* and 63 in the New Zealand series, and earns his sixth Player‑of‑the‑Series award, positioning India to defend the senior T20 World Cup at home [11].

Feb 15 2026 – India defeats Pakistan by 61 runs at Colombo’s R Premadasa, with Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 77 off 40 balls anchoring the chase [8].

Feb 16 2026 – Analysts note India’s 8‑0 ODI and 8‑1 T20 World Cup record against Pakistan, underscoring a widening performance gap between the rivals [10].

Feb 19 2026 – England’s T20 World Cup campaign shows mixed group‑stage performances; concerns rise over Jos Buttler’s low return, Harry Brook’s spin vulnerability, and batting depth despite 14 innings of 25+ runs [1].

Feb 20 2026 – India enters the Super Eight unbeaten after four group wins but faces uneven batting, with Ishan Kishan thriving and Abhishek Sharma in a slump; the next match is set against South Africa on Feb 22 at Narendra Modi Stadium [9].

Feb 21 2026 – Suryakumar Yadav defends teammate Abhishek Sharma, praises Tilak Varma’s form, and outlines India’s smart batting strategy for overs 7‑15 ahead of the Super Eight clash with South Africa [6].

Feb 21 2026 – India and South Africa schedule their Super Eight Group 1 showdown for Feb 22 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, with South Africa seeking a turnaround after a narrow escape against Afghanistan [7].

Feb 22 2026 – India prepares to meet South Africa in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, aiming to extend its unbeaten run and solidify its bid for back‑to‑back titles [7][9].

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