India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 (X1 v X4) | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Ultimate Preview Guide
Cricket fans, get ready for fireworks! Tomorrow night, two unbeaten giants of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will collide in what everyone is calling the “final before the final”. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad promises to be the biggest blockbuster of the tournament so far.
India have been simply unstoppable – 12 wins out of 12 in T20 World Cups since 2024 and a stunning 45-4 record (with 2 no-results) in bilateral T20Is. South Africa, on the other hand, have stormed through the toughest group undefeated, showing they are ready to challenge the hosts on Indian soil.
This is not just another Super 8 match. It is the newest high-stakes rivalry in world cricket. Remember the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados where India beat South Africa? Then South Africa hit back with a historic Test whitewash in India. In December 2025, the two teams played a thrilling bilateral series in India where India won 3-2 overall, but the last game in Ahmedabad saw India post a massive 231.
Both teams know the black-soil conditions inside out. South Africa have already played three league games here, while India’s players have grown up playing big IPL and international matches at this venue. The expectations on India are sky-high. Even 190 runs in the last game against Netherlands felt “underwhelming” to some fans. Captain Suryakumar Yadav calmly replied, “We scored 190 (193 actually), what else is needed?”
All eyes will be on young opener Abhishek Sharma, who has three ducks in the tournament so far. Suryakumar gave him full backing: “I worry for the people who are worried about Abhishek’s form. Last year he covered for us, now we will cover for him.” No changes expected – Sanju Samson stays on the bench despite his brilliant record against South Africa (253 runs at strike rate 190 with two centuries).
South Africa have peaked at the right time after early hiccups against Afghanistan. Their PowerPlay batting is the best in the tournament, and their pace attack is perfectly suited for Ahmedabad’s bounce.
If you love high-stakes T20 cricket with big hits, swing bowling, and nail-biting finishes, this India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 is unmissable. The winner will take huge momentum into the semi-finals, while the loser will face two must-win games. A repeat of the 2024 final on March 8 is very much possible.
Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about this epic clash.
Match Details & Essential Information
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST (Local) / 1:30 PM GMT / 8:30 AM EST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match Number: 43rd Match, Super 8 Group 1 (X1 v X4)
Format: T20, Day-Night
Toss Time: 6:30 PM IST
Broadcast Guide – India
- TV: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada feeds)
- Streaming: JioHotstar (free with Jio or paid plans from ₹79) – multi-language commentary
Global Broadcasting
- South Africa & Africa: SuperSport
- UK: Sky Sports
- USA/Canada: Willow TV
- Australia/New Zealand: Fox Sports / Kayo
- Rest of World: ICC.tv (free in most territories)
Ticket Buying Guide
Tickets are almost sold out. Check BookMyShow for official prices starting ₹2,000 (general stands) to ₹50,000+ for hospitality. Secondary markets like viagogo have limited seats but verify authenticity. Gujarat Cricket Association may release last-minute tickets.
Expected Finish: Around 10:30–11:00 PM IST
Live Streaming Search Tip: Search “India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 live streaming 2026” on JioHotstar for best experience.
Here is a quick comparison table:
| Platform | India Viewers | Global Viewers | Language Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV | Star Sports Network | SuperSport, Sky | English, Hindi + 5 more |
| Streaming | JioHotstar | ICC.tv, Willow | 10+ languages |
This India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 clash is set to be a chase-friendly night game under lights. Now let’s talk about the venue that every cricketer dreams of playing at.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – Venue Guide, Stats & Historical Records
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the world’s largest cricket ground with a capacity of 132,000. It is home to Gujarat and Gujarat Titans in the IPL. The two ends are Adani Pavilion End and GMDC End. The black-soil pitch here has given fans some of the most exciting T20 games in recent years.
T20I Records at Narendra Modi Stadium (15+ matches)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Won Batting First | 10 |
| Won Bowling First | 5 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 173 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 151 |
| Highest Team Total | 234/4 (India vs NZ) |
| Lowest Team Total | 66 all out (NZ vs IND) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 178/3 (South Africa vs NZ) |
India’s Record at the Venue
Played: 8–9
Won: 6–7
Lost: 2
IPL Records at Narendra Modi Stadium (44 matches)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Wins Batting First | 22 |
| Wins Batting Second | 22 |
| Average Score Batting First | 177 |
| Highest Team Total | 243/5 |
| Highest Run Chase | 204/3 |
The outfield is lightning-fast and boundaries are big (square 65-70m, straight over 70m). Sixes fly here – average 98+ sixes in recent T20 blocks – but mishits get punished. Black-soil tracks give early swing and middle-overs grip for spinners.
Memorable matches:
- India posted 231 against South Africa in Dec 2025 bilateral.
- Highest T20I total: 234/4 by India vs New Zealand.
- Lowest: 66 all out by New Zealand.
South Africa have played three league games here already, giving them slight familiarity advantage. But Indian players feel at home – this is their fortress.
The stadium has hosted IPL finals in 2022, 2023 and 2025, setting Guinness records for attendance. On Sunday night, expect another record crowd roaring for India.
Pitch Report & Playing Conditions – Black-Soil Surface, Dew & Weather Impact
The pitch for this India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 is confirmed black-soil. What does that mean for fans?
Pitch Behaviour Table
| Phase | Behaviour | Advantage For |
|---|---|---|
| PowerPlay (0-6) | Swing & seam, good bounce | Pacers |
| Middle Overs | Slight slowing, grip for off-spin | Spinners |
| Death Overs | True bounce, ball skids with dew | Batters & death bowlers |
Key Facts
- Early overs: New ball swings – Abhishek Sharma must watch out for swing more than spin.
- Middle overs: Off-spinners trouble India’s left-hand heavy middle order.
- Under lights: Dew appears after 10-12 overs. Ball becomes slippery – spinners lose grip, pacers get skid.
Dew Factor
Night games here are chase-friendly. Teams winning the toss almost always bowl first. Chasing side wins about 55-60% of night T20s at this venue because dew gives 15-25 runs advantage.
Weather Forecast for February 22, 2026, Ahmedabad
| Time | Temperature | Condition | Humidity | Rain Chance | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day High | 36-38°C | Sunny | 25-40% | 0% | Light |
| Night Low | 23-24°C | Clear, dew | Rises | 0% | 5-10 km/h |
Sunset around 6:40 PM – lights will take effect early. No rain threat at all. Warm conditions mean batters will love it, but players need to stay hydrated.
Toss Prediction
70% chance the captain who wins the toss will bowl first. History and dew make chasing the smarter choice.
Experts say par score batting first is 170-185. Defending 180+ is tough if dew arrives. Pacers with variations (Bumrah, Rabada, Jansen, Arshdeep) and wrist-spinners (Varun, Maharaj) will be key.
Abhishek Sharma tip: Play the ball late in first two overs, hit square of the wicket more, and step out only when the ball is not swinging away.
This pitch sets up a classic India vs South Africa battle – power hitting vs quality pace and spin.
India Squad Analysis & Probable Playing XI for Super 8 Opener
India come into this India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 as clear favourites but with small concerns.
Full Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar.
Probable Playing XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
Key Player Stats in 2026 T20 World Cup (Table)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Avg | SR | Wickets | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | 4 | 176 | 44.00 | 202.29 | – | – |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 4 | 162 | 54.00 | 136.13 | – | – |
| Shivam Dube | 4 | 116 | 29.00 | 178.46 | – | – |
| Tilak Varma | 4 | 106 | 26.50 | 120.45 | – | – |
| Hardik Pandya | 4 | 87 | 21.75 | 155.35 | 5 | 7.92 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 4 | – | – | – | 9 | 5.16 |
| Axar Patel | 3 | – | – | – | 6 | 6.63 |
Strengths
- Explosive top order once Abhishek fires.
- World-class death bowling (Bumrah + Arshdeep).
- Spin options with Axar and Varun.
Concerns
- Abhishek’s three ducks.
- Tilak’s strike rate.
- Left-handers vulnerable to off-spin.
Tactical Notes
India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Axar Patel returns (replaces Washington Sundar) – local boy advantage on black-soil. India will counter SA’s PowerPlay with Bumrah and Arshdeep early. Suryakumar’s calm leadership is a big plus.
Sanju Samson stays out despite his record against SA because the team trusts Abhishek and Tilak.
This XI has balance and experience to handle any total.
South Africa Squad Analysis & Probable Playing XI – Peaking at the Perfect Time
India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 South Africa have emerged as the second-best team of the tournament. They topped the toughest group with 4 wins (one via Super Over).
Probable Playing XI
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Dewald Brevis
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- Corbin Bosch
- Kagiso Rabada
- Keshav Maharaj
- Lungi Ngidi
Recent Form Player Stats (Last 10 Matches)
| Player | Runs | Avg | SR | Wickets | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | 417 | 46.33 | 173.75 | – | – |
| Aiden Markram | 377 | 47.13 | 161.11 | – | – |
| Lungi Ngidi | – | – | – | 12 | 7.78 |
| Marco Jansen | – | – | – | 11 | 9.26 |
Strengths
- Best PowerPlay batting in the tournament.
- Quality pace attack (Rabada, Jansen, Ngidi).
- Explosive finishers (Miller, Stubbs).
Tactical Edge
Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs can bowl off-spin against India’s left-handers. They have played most games in Ahmedabad, so conditions suit them.
India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 South Africa rested key players in the last dead rubber and will come back full strength. Expect Ngidi and Rabada to lead the attack.
This is the most complete South Africa T20 side in years – they believe they can beat India on Indian soil.
Players to Watch in India vs South Africa 43rd Match – Game-Changers to Follow
Batters
- Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 409 runs @ SR 164 in last 10 matches. The 360-degree genius will be the difference.
- Ishan Kishan (India) – SR 217 in WC! Hottest opener in the world right now.
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 417 runs @ SR 173. Experience of 100+ T20Is.
- Aiden Markram (South Africa) – Opening masterclass, 377 runs @ SR 161.
All-Rounders & Finishers
- Hardik Pandya – Death bowling + power hitting.
- Shivam Dube – Strike rate 183 vs spin.
- David Miller – Mr 360, finisher supreme.
- Tristan Stubbs – Young gun who can bowl off-spin too.
Bowlers
- Varun Chakravarthy (India) – 17 wickets in last 8 vs SA, highest wicket-taker in recent series.
- Jasprit Bumrah – Best death bowler on the planet.
- Arshdeep Singh – Swing king.
- Lungi Ngidi – 12 wickets @ 7.78 econ.
- Marco Jansen – Tall left-armer who gets bounce.
X-Factor: Abhishek Sharma
Due for a big knock. One good innings and he can win the game single-handedly.
Every player in this India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 has the potential to become the hero tomorrow night.
Head-to-Head Records, Recent Form & Critical Match-Ups
Overall T20I Head-to-Head
Played: 35
India Wins: 21
South Africa Wins: 13
No Result: 1
T20 World Cup Head-to-Head
India 5 – South Africa 2
Last 5 Matches
- India won by 30 runs (Dec 2025)
- Match abandoned (Dec 2025)
- India won by 7 wickets (Dec 2025)
- South Africa won by 51 runs (Dec 2025)
- India won by 101 runs (Dec 2025)
Recent Form (Last 5 Completed T20Is)
India: WWWWW
South Africa: WWWWL
Critical Match-Ups
- India top-order vs SA pace battery
- SA PowerPlay (de Kock + Markram) vs Bumrah-Arshdeep
- Varun Chakravarthy vs SA middle order
- Axar Patel vs SA right-handers on black-soil
- Abhishek Sharma vs early swing
Venue-Specific
India won the last T20I here by a huge margin against South Africa.
India hold the edge but South Africa are dangerous on their day.
Toss Prediction, Strategic Outlook & Expert Analysis
Toss Winner will bowl first – 70% probability.
Dew + night conditions make chasing easier.
India Strategy
- Use Axar early to break SA PowerPlay.
- Save Varun for middle overs.
- Back Abhishek and Ishan to give flying start.
South Africa Strategy
- Explosive PowerPlay with openers.
- Use Markram/Stubbs off-spin against India lefties.
- Target 180+ and defend with pace variations.
Simulated Scenarios
- If India bat first: 185-195 likely.
- If South Africa bat first: 175-190.
- Successful chase possible up to 200 with dew.
India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Captains Suryakumar and Markram both understand conditions well. The team that handles dew better will win.
ESPNcricinfo match page.
Match Prediction, Likely Score & Conclusion – Who Will Win India vs South Africa 43rd Match?
India are favourites at 65-35.
India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Home conditions, longer winning streak, superior death bowling and crowd support give them the edge.
Most Probable Outcome
- India win by 15-25 runs or 4-6 wickets chasing.
Score Prediction
First innings: 185-195
Chasing side wins if they get a good start.
This India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 is the biggest clash of 2026 so far. Two unbeaten teams, perfect records, massive rivalry, and a venue that loves big scores. Whether Abhishek explodes or South Africa’s PowerPlay fires, one thing is sure – we are in for a treat.
Don’t miss it! Tune in at 7:00 PM IST on Star Sports and JioHotstar. Who are you backing? Drop your prediction in the comments below on IPL Star blog.
India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 This blockbuster could shape the entire Super 8 stage and set up an epic semi-final rematch on March 8. Cricket at its absolute best!
FAQs: India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
1. When and where is India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026? The India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 takes place on Sunday, 22 February 2026 at 7:00 PM IST at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Toss is at 6:30 PM IST.
2. What is the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report for India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026? Black-soil surface offers early swing/seam in PowerPlay, grip for off-spinners in middle overs, and dew-assisted skid under lights. Par score batting first: 170-185. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Chasing side holds 55-60% win rate in night games.
3. Who is favourite to win India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Group 1 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026? India are 65-35 favourites in this IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 clash due to 12-0 World Cup streak, superior death bowling and home conditions. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Most likely margin: India win by 15-25 runs or 4-6 wickets chasing.
4. What is the probable playing XI for India in India vs South Africa Super 8 2026? India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 India probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh. Axar returns for Washington Sundar.
5. How to watch India vs South Africa 43rd Match live streaming and TV broadcast? India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 In India: JioHotstar (free with Jio) & Star Sports Network (5 languages). Globally: ICC.tv (free), SuperSport (SA), Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA). Search “India vs South Africa live streaming 2026”.
6. Will Abhishek Sharma be dropped for Sanju Samson in IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026? No. Suryakumar Yadav has given full confidence to Abhishek despite three ducks: “I worry for the people who are worried about Abhishek.” India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Samson stays out despite strong record vs South Africa.
7. What is the head-to-head record in India vs South Africa T20 World Cup? India lead 5-2 in T20 World Cups and 21-13 overall in T20Is. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 India have won the last three completed bilateral encounters in Dec 2025, including a 231-run demolition in Ahmedabad.
8. What is the toss prediction and dew factor for India vs South Africa Ahmedabad match? 70% chance the toss winner will bowl first. Night games at Narendra Modi Stadium are chase-friendly due to heavy dew after sunset, giving chasing side 15-25 runs advantage.
9. Who are the key players to watch in India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 2026? India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 Ishan Kishan (SR 217), Suryakumar Yadav (409 runs @164 SR), Quinton de Kock (417 runs), Aiden Markram, Varun Chakravarthy (17 wkts vs SA recently), Jasprit Bumrah and Marco Jansen.
10. What is the predicted score and final outcome for IND vs SA T20 World Cup Super 8 clash? Expected 1st innings: 185-195. Chasing side likely to win under lights. India to triumph by 15-25 runs or 4-6 wickets. India vs South Africa 43rd Match Super 8 This “final before the final” could decide Super 8 Group 1.