Delhi, New Delhi:On Wednesday, February 4, India defeated South Africa in their warm-up match at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, winning their final dress rehearsal before the T20 World Cup 2026.
Batting first, the reigning champions amassed 240/6 in yet another outstanding batting display. In the innings when Sanju Samson was not sent to bat, nearly everyone contributed, with Ishan Kishan scoring a scorching 53. India ultimately prevailed by 30 runs despite South Africa's strong response, which ended at 210/7.
Ishan and Abishek Sharma opened the batting order for India, which was similar to what was seen in the World Cup.
In order to give other batters game time, the Men in Blue retired a few batters in the first inning, ostensibly during the innings' periods when they would typically come out to bat.
Abhishek hit 24 from 18 balls, while Kishan starred with another outstanding knock, this time a 53 off 20 balls. Kishan was retired as soon as he turned fifty. Given that Sanju Samson is now probably out, he may also open in the World Cup.
On his comeback, Tilak Varma stars once more—no Sanju SamsonAfter making a respectable cameo for India A earlier, Tilak Varma also played well for the senior squad. In addition to captain Suryakumar Yadav's scorching 30 off 16 balls, he scored an incredible 45 off 19 balls.
Rinku Singh came in to bat at No. 6 and made a 13-ball 16, while Axar Patel, sent in at No. 5, scored 35 from 23 deliveries. then added the final touches with his carefree 30 from 10 balls.
Although they barely made it in the chase, South Africa gave India a run.Despite slightly experimenting with their batting order, the Proteas would be happy with their batting effort. George Linde did not bat; instead, he was sent to open. Rickelton scored 44 from 21 deliveries, while Markram scored 38 from 19 balls before being retired.
While Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs hit some flaming sixes in the final overs to bring the team close to India's 240, Jason Smith contributed 35 from 23 balls in the middle overs. In the end, the Proteas fell short by thirty runs.