Ishan Kishan hit a 20-ball 53 as India posted a 240-run total
South Africa could only muster 210 for seven in response
India will begin their campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7
India rode Ishan Kishan's swashbuckling half-century to defeat South Africa by 30 runs in their only warm-up match fixture ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026, at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday (February 4). The defending champions kick off their campaign against the United States on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Ishan hit seven sixes and two fours in his 20-ball 53 before retiring out to give other batters a chance. His knock cemented the southpaw's spot in the top order, even as India posted a massive 240 for five on a flat track.
The co-hosts then used as many as nine bowlers, including three overs from Abhishek Sharma (2/32), while limiting South Africa's response to 210 for seven. In a potential cause for concern, seamer Harshit Rana (0/16) left the field after delivering only one over, in which he pulled out of his run-up twice and eventually did not return to bowl.
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India recently concluded their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which they won handsomely with a 4-1 score line. The holders will enter the T20 World Cup as overwhelming favourites, given the dominating form they are in, whereas playing the tournament at home also gives them an added advantage over their opponents.
The Indian team has shown tremendous form since the last World Cup in 2024 and have won 11 consecutive T20I series since then. However, the only bone of contention for them has been the poor form of Sanju Samson, who scored only 46 runs against New Zealand in five matches at an average of 9.20.
Since Tilak Varma has returned from injury and has shown good form against the USA while playing for India A, and Ishan Kishan has been churning out runs for fun in recent times, Sanju Samson's place in the playing XI could be in danger, come the tournament proper.
India Vs South Africa, ICC T20 World Cup Warm Up Match: Toss Update
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav called the coin toss correctly and elected to bat first against South Africa. He said there was the likelihood of dew later on, and hence wanted his bowlers to face that test in the practice match. Aiden Markram said he was happy to bowl first anyway.
India Vs South Africa, ICC T20 World Cup Warm Up Match: Squads
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs
