New Delhi: India will take on South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, February 22. The Men in Blue delivered a dominating performance in the group stage despite facing several issues.
India started their tournament campaign with a 29-run win against the USA in Mumbai, which was followed by a massive 91-run victory against Namibia in Delhi. The Men in Blue defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 61 runs, and ended their Group stage campaign with a 17-run victory against the Netherlands, advancing to the Super 8 stage as Group A toppers.
All-rounder Washington Sundar missed a few games due to an injury, while Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma suffered from an illness. Bumrah missed the opening game of the tournament due to a viral fever, while Abhishek missed the next match against Namibia due to a stomach infection.
Before the opening match of the tournament, fast bowler Harshit Rana suffered an injury in the warm-up match and was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026. He was replaced by Mohammed Siraj in the squad, who picked up three wickets in the opening match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium.
India face another injury scare
Ahead of the Super 8 match against South Africa, the Men in Blue suffered yet another injury scare as backup pacer Mohammed Siraj was injured after being hit by a shot from Hardik Pandya during a practice session.
During an intense training session at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Indian players pushed themselves hard as they fine-tuned preparations for the Super 8 clash. There was a brief scare when Mohammed Siraj walked off the field, raising concerns within the squad. According to a Revsportz report, he returned to the field after receiving medical treatment, but struggled to move freely and was seen limping off.
India have been placed alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies in Group 1 of the Super 8.