India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be one of the biggest nights in cricket this year. Two unbeaten teams, perfect 4-0 group records, and the world’s largest stadium under floodlights – this is not just a match, it is a statement.
Will India’s spin-heavy attack and Suryakumar Yadav’s genius overcome South Africa’s explosive openers and venue familiarity? Or will the black-soil pitch and heavy dew tilt the scales towards the Proteas?
This comprehensive guide answers every question cricket fans are asking right now. From black-soil pitch behaviour to dew impact, player form, probable XIs and expert prediction – everything you need in one place.
Match Details & How to Watch India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026
Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM IST)
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match Number: 43rd Match, Super 8 Group 1
Broadcast & Streaming
- TV: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, 1 Hindi, 1 Tamil, etc.)
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website (free for Jio users)
Full Venue Address
Stadium Road, Motera, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380005
Pitch Ends
- Adani Pavilion End
- GMDC / Jio End
Spectator Quick Tips
- Best way to reach: Ahmedabad Metro Red Line – Motera Stadium station (right outside the gate)
- Parking: 3,000 cars + 10,000 two-wheelers (arrive by 4 PM)
- Prohibited items: Bags larger than A4, cameras, outside food, water bottles, cigarettes, chewing gum
- Payment inside: Most stalls prefer cash, few accept UPI
Here is how both teams reached this stage:
| Team | Group | Record | Key Wins | Top Run-Scorer | Top Wicket-Taker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | A | 4-0 | Pakistan by 61 runs | Suryakumar Yadav (409) | Varun Chakaravarthy (17) |
| South Africa | D | 4-0 | New Zealand by 7 wkts, Afghanistan (double super over) | Quinton de Kock (417) | Keshav Maharaj (12) |
The India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be a sell-out with over 100,000 fans expected.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: World’s Largest Cricket Cauldron – Complete Venue Guide for T20 World Cup 2026
The Narendra Modi Stadium is not just a venue; it is an experience. With a seating capacity of 132,000, it is the largest cricket stadium on the planet.
Built on the banks of the Sabarmati river, the circular design with zero pillars gives every single spectator a perfect 360-degree view. The state-of-the-art LED floodlights are mounted on the roof, eliminating shadows completely.
Key Stadium Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 132,000 |
| Boundary measurements | Straight ~70m, Square 60-68m |
| Corporate boxes | 76 |
| Dressing rooms | 4 |
| Parking | 3,000 cars + 10,000 two-wheelers |
| Nearest Metro | Motera Stadium (Red Line) |
| Gates | Gate No. 1 most popular |
The stadium has already hosted three high-voltage group matches in this World Cup on black-soil pitches, giving South Africa a slight edge in familiarity – they played three of their four group games here.
From the North Pavilion to the President Gallery, every stand offers crystal-clear sightlines. Food stalls are plenty, washrooms are clean and modern.
Narendra Modi Stadium Black-Soil Pitch Report – Complete Analysis for IND vs SA Super 8 2026
This is the most important section for every cricket fan. The India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on a black-soil pitch with the final layer of grass trimmed off.
Why black-soil matters
Black soil has higher clay content than red soil. It holds more moisture, stays firmer, and grips the ball more as the match goes on.
Surface Characteristics
- Firm and bare look
- Slower and grippier than red-soil tracks
- Variable bounce in first 6-8 overs
- Seam movement under lights
- Excellent grip for spinners from overs 7-15
Powerplay Behaviour (Overs 1-6)
Expect 45-55 runs. Pacers get extra bounce. New batters will find it tricky because of variable bounce.
Middle Overs (Overs 7-15)
This is where the game will be won or lost. Spinners will get turn and skid. Mystery spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy become lethal.
Death Overs under Lights (Overs 16-20)
Heavy dew makes the ball skid onto the bat. Finishers will enjoy batting here. Variations (cutters, slower balls, yorkers) will be more important than pure pace.
Recent Matches at This Venue (2026 T20 World Cup – Black-Soil)
| Match | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| IND vs NED | 193/6 | 176/7 | India won by 17 runs |
| RSA vs AFG | 187/6 | 187/10 | SA won (Double Super Over) |
| RSA vs NZ | 175/7 | 178/3 | SA won by 7 wickets |
Pace vs Spin Wickets Split in 2026 WC at Ahmedabad
Pacers: 25 wickets
Spinners: 10 wickets (but grip increases later)
Expected Run Rates Table
| Phase | Expected Run Rate | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 8.5 – 9.5 | Bounce for pacers |
| Middle Overs | 7.0 – 8.0 | Spin grip |
| Death Overs | 10.5 – 12.0 | Dew helps batters |
Par Score Analysis
- 175-185: Very competitive
- 190+: Winning total if dew is heavy
Black-Soil vs Red-Soil Comparison
Black soil slows down more and grips earlier compared to red soil. Red-soil tracks stay truer for longer and favour stroke-makers. Black soil rewards patience and clever cricket.
Toss Verdict
The captain who wins the toss should bowl first 65-70% of the time. Dew makes chasing easier in the second innings. Historically at this venue, teams batting first have won more matches, but current black-soil + dew conditions strongly favour the team chasing.
This black-soil pitch will produce a balanced contest that rewards the team which adapts faster.
ESPNcricinfo match page.
Ahmedabad Weather on 22 February 2026 & Massive Dew Impact on IND vs SA T20 World Cup Match
Weather Summary
Clear skies all day. No rain threat at all.
Hourly Forecast Table (22 February 2026)
| Time | Temperature | Condition | Rain Chance | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 PM – 4 PM | 33–34°C | Sunny & hot | 0% | 27% |
| 5 PM – 7 PM | 28°C | Hazy sunshine | 0% | 35% |
| 8 PM – 11 PM | 24–25°C | Clear skies | 0% | 40-45% |
Dew Factor Explained
Dew usually starts settling around 8:30 PM. The ball becomes slippery. Spinners and cutters lose grip. The ball skids onto the bat, making it easier for batters in the second innings.
In the last three matches at this venue, the team batting second has found it much easier once dew arrived.
Why dew changes everything
- Spinners struggle to grip
- Pacers have to bowl yorkers and slower balls
- Chasing team gets 65-70% advantage
For the India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 T20 World Cup 2026, the dew factor is the biggest game-changer.
T20 Records at Narendra Modi Stadium – 2026 World Cup & Historical Trends
Overall T20I Stats at Narendra Modi Stadium (15 matches)
| Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Matches won batting first | 10 |
| Matches won bowling first | 5 |
| Average 1st innings score | 173 |
| Average 2nd innings score | 151 |
| Highest total | 234/4 (IND vs NZ) |
| Highest successful chase | 178/3 (SA vs NZ) |
South Africa’s Venue Advantage
South Africa played three group matches here. They know exactly how the black-soil behaves under lights. India played only one match here (vs Netherlands).
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head in T20Is & World Cups – Full Record Breakdown
Overall T20I Record
| Format | Matches | India Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All T20Is | 35 | 21 | 13 | 1 |
| T20 World Cups | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Last 10 T20Is | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 |
Key Facts
- South Africa has never beaten India in a T20 World Cup knockout or final (lost 2014 semi-final and 2024 final).
- Most recent series (Dec 2025): India won 3-1.
- First-ever T20I between both teams: 1 Dec 2006 – India won by 6 wickets.
Sanju Samson Record vs South Africa
253 runs in 5 innings at strike rate 190, including two centuries.
How India & South Africa Reached Super 8 – Group Stage Performance Deep Dive
Both teams entered Super 8 with perfect 4-0 records – a rare clash of unbeaten giants.
India (Group A)
Key win: Defeated Pakistan by 61 runs. Clinical throughout.
South Africa (Group D)
Key wins: New Zealand by 7 wickets, Afghanistan via double super over.
Comparison Table
| Feature | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 4-0 | 4-0 |
| Top Run Scorer | Suryakumar Yadav 409 | Quinton de Kock 417 |
| Top Wicket Taker | Varun Chakaravarthy 17 | Keshav Maharaj 12 |
Probable Playing XIs, Squad Updates & Tactical Blueprint for IND vs SA Super 8 Clash
India Probable XI
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson / Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
(Rumour: Sanju Samson likely to replace Tilak Varma for extra firepower against SA pace.)
South Africa Probable XI
Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj / Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde
Tactical Blueprint
India Strategy: Spin choke in middle overs with Varun + Axar. Death bowling with Bumrah and Hardik.
South Africa Strategy: Explosive powerplay with de Kock. Use Jansen’s height for bounce.
Key Battles
- de Kock vs Varun Chakaravarthy
- Suryakumar Yadav vs Jansen / Rabada
- Rinku Singh / Shivam Dube vs SA spinners
Players to Watch – Suryakumar Yadav, Quinton de Kock & Impact Performers in 2026 World Cup
Suryakumar Yadav
409 runs @ 58.43 average, 164+ strike rate. Match-winner (84* vs USA).
Quinton de Kock
417 runs @ 173.75 strike rate – the most dangerous opener in the tournament.
Varun Chakaravarthy
17 wickets @ 7.96 economy. Took 10 wickets in 4 innings against SA in Dec 2025 series.
Other Impact Players
Hardik Pandya, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Jasprit Bumrah, Keshav Maharaj.
How to Watch India vs South Africa Live – TV, Streaming & Stadium Experience
Star Sports on TV, JioHotstar for live streaming.
Stadium tips: Reach early, use Metro, check GCA guidelines.
Final Verdict: Who Holds the Edge in this Blockbuster Super 8 Opener?
India are favourites at 60-65% because of depth, home conditions and head-to-head record.
But South Africa’s venue familiarity, explosive batting and pace attack make this a genuine 50-50 thriller.
A score of 180+ batting first could be match-winning. Expect a high-scoring, dew-affected classic.
The black-soil battle under the lights at Narendra Modi Stadium will set the tone for the entire Super 8 stage.
Who are you backing in this India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 T20 World Cup 2026? Drop your prediction in the comments below!
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FAQs for India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 T20 World Cup 2026
1. What is the pitch report for India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 T20 World Cup 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium? The India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on a black-soil pitch with trimmed grass. It offers variable bounce in the powerplay, strong grip for spinners in middle overs (7-15), and dew-assisted skidding in death overs. Par score: 175-185.
2. How will the black soil pitch affect the IND vs SA Super 8 clash on 22 February 2026? Black soil pitch Ahmedabad T20 WC 2026 is slower and grippier than red-soil tracks. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 It favours spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy in middle overs and rewards cutters/yorkers over raw pace. Early variable bounce challenges openers, while dew later helps batters.
3. What is the weather forecast and dew factor for India vs South Africa 43rd Match on 22 February 2026? Clear skies, 24-28°C at match time, 0% rain. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Heavy dew expected from 8:30 PM in the second innings makes bowling difficult, especially for spinners. Dew factor India vs South Africa 2026 gives chasing team 65-70% advantage.
4. Who should win the toss and what should they do in IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026? Toss winner should bowl first 65-70% of the time due to heavy dew at Narendra Modi Stadium. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Batting first still wins historically, but black-soil + dew conditions strongly favour chasing in the India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8.
5. What are the probable playing XI for India and South Africa in the 43rd Match Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026? India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson/Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy. South Africa: de Kock (wk), Rickelton, Markram (c), Brevis, Stubbs, Miller, Jansen, Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi, Linde.
6. What is the head-to-head record in India vs South Africa T20 World Cup matches? India lead 5-2 in T20 World Cups (overall T20I 21-13). India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 South Africa has never beaten India in a T20 WC knockout or final. Latest series (Dec 2025): India won 3-1.
7. How did India and South Africa reach Super 8 in T20 World Cup 2026 group stage? Both teams went 4-0 unbeaten. India (Group A) thrashed Pakistan by 61 runs. South Africa (Group D) beat New Zealand by 7 wickets and Afghanistan via double super-over. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Suryakumar Yadav (409 runs) and Quinton de Kock (417 runs) starred.
8. Who are the key players to watch in India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 2026? Suryakumar Yadav (409 runs @58.43 avg), Quinton de Kock (417 runs @173.75 SR), Varun Chakaravarthy (17 wickets), and Sanju Samson (prolific vs SA). Key battles: de Kock vs Varun, SKY vs Jansen/Rabada.
9. Why does South Africa have a venue advantage in IND vs SA at Narendra Modi Stadium 2026? South Africa played 3 of 4 group games on the same black-soil pitches at Ahmedabad, gaining crucial experience. India played only one match here (vs Netherlands). This familiarity is a big factor in the 43rd Match Super 8.
10. Who is favourite to win India vs South Africa Super 8 opener T20 World Cup 2026? India are 60-65% favourites due to depth, H2H dominance and home conditions. However, black-soil pitch, heavy dew and SA’s venue familiarity make it a 50-50 thriller. Expect 180+ totals and dew drama.