New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq took a brutal jibe at Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India after their crushing 76-run defeat against South Africa in their Super Eight opener of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. The Proteas ended India’s 12-match unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup by handing them their biggest defeat in terms of runs in the tournament’s history.
India had not lost a T20 World Cup game since the start of the last edition of the tournament in 2024. However, a terrible batting collapse at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad saw them get bundled out for a paltry 111 runs in a tricky chase of 188 runs to suffer their first defeat in the tournament in 13 matches.
Saqlain made scathing remarks against the Indian team after their embarrassing defeat, stating that they were dragged along the ground by South Africa in the game. The former Pakistan spinner also labelled the defeat an insult for the defending champions.
“South Africa’s plans worked perfectly today. They dragged the Indians along the ground, so to speak, thrashed them and, to be honest, insulted them. Whatever high they may have been on of late, the South Africans have brought them down a peg or two,” Saqlian said on a Pakistani TV show.
While praising South Africa and their skipper Aiden Markram, Saqlain highlighted that the Proteas were spot on with their plans in the game and executed them to perfection on the ground against India.
“Their planning was outstanding in all three departments — batting, bowling and fielding. Look at how they co-ordinated to take that catch,” said Saqlain, referring to Corbin Bosch’s catch to dismiss Abhishek Sharma, where he held on to the ball despite colliding with his teammate Keshav Maharaj in the end.
India’s batting woes left exposed against South Africa
India’s batting woes were left exposed in the run chase against South Africa. The hosts, despite being the home side, failed to read the conditions and adapt accordingly as the Proteas bowlers dominated the proceedings against India after getting off to a perfect start. India lost in-form opener Ishan Kishan cheaply in the very first over, which triggered a spectacular collapse.
The likes of Tilak Varma (1), Abhishek Sharma (15) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (18) all failed to deliver as India were bundled out for 111 runs in 18.5 overs. The defeat has left the defending champions with a lot to ponder upon with two must-win games ahead of them in the Super 8 stage. India need to win both their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies to stand a chance of qualifying for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026.