India vs South Africa Predicted Playing XI & Head to Head – T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8

India lock horns with South Africa in the 43rd Match of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights, Group 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on February 22, 2026 (7:00 PM IST). Two unbeaten giants, one massive stage — this is already being called the “final before the final.” Both sides topped their respective groups with four wins from four, and whoever wins tonight seizes control of the 2026 Super 8 points table.

This isn’t just a league game. It’s a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where India edged South Africa by seven runs to lift the trophy. Tonight, Proteas captain Aiden Markram and his men want revenge. India captain Suryakumar Yadav wants to prove that win was no fluke.

India Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa

India’s squad selection for this high-stakes game is straightforward — the concern is Abhishek Sharma, who has registered three consecutive ducks in this tournament. Still, team management and bowling coach Morne Morkel both back him to turn the corner.

India Probable XI:

Axar Patel is set to return after being rested against the previous opponent — his left-arm spin and lower-order hitting are crucial against South Africa’s pace battery. Varun Chakravarthy has been India’s spin weapon, picking up 17 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 7.96.

South Africa Predicted Playing XI vs India

South Africa’s top order has been on fire throughout the tournament. Aiden Markram has reinvented himself as an opener, aggregating runs at nearly two-a-ball alongside Quinton de Kock. The only selection debate for the Proteas is between Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje in the pace attack.

South Africa Probable XI:

South Africa have played three of their four group stage matches right here at Ahmedabad — they know this ground inside out. That familiarity could be a big factor tonight.

IND vs SA Head to Head – Last 5 T20Is

India have dominated South Africa in recent head-to-head T20I meetings. Check the last five results:

India won the December 2025 bilateral series 3-1, including a dominant 101-run win to open the series. In T20 World Cups specifically, India hold a 5-2 head-to-head advantage over South Africa — and the 2024 final win by seven runs is still fresh in every Proteas player’s memory.

Key Player Battles to Watch

This is where the match will be won and lost. Here are the matchups that matter most:

• Varun Chakravarthy vs Aiden Markram — Markram loves to attack spinners early. Chakravarthy’s mystery spin could be the game-changer.
• Jasprit Bumrah vs Quinton de Kock — De Kock averages 173.75 SR in recent games. Bumrah’s death bowling is the only real counter.
• Kagiso Rabada vs Ishan Kishan — Kishan’s SR of 217.22 in recent T20Is is astonishing. Rabada’s pace will test that aggression hard.
• Hardik Pandya vs David Miller — Battle of the power hitters in the middle. Whoever comes off under pressure takes the game.

Check out the full team squads for the T20 World Cup 2026 to understand each side’s depth better.

Pitch Report & Match Conditions – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The Narendra Modi Stadium has been a high-scoring venue this tournament — but tonight’s match is on a black-soil surface, which tends to slow things down compared to the red-soil pitches used in some earlier games. Night games here have been chase-friendly, so winning the toss and fielding first makes tactical sense.

• Temperature: Around 26°C in the evening
• No rain threat — full match expected
• Dew could be a factor in the second innings
• Boundaries are large, favouring bowlers

South Africa’s experience at this venue across three previous matches gives them a ground awareness advantage. Still, India are comfortable here — this is practically their fortress for every major tournament game.

Why Both Teams Can’t Afford to Lose

Lose this match and both teams are still in the competition — but with their backs against the wall. Super 8 Group 1 has Zimbabwe and West Indies as the other two sides. A defeat for either India or South Africa forces them to win their remaining two games without any margin for error. For the Super 8 group fixtures and schedule, both sides have quality opponents still to face.

India’s unbeaten T20 World Cup run of 12 matches is also on the line. South Africa have everything to gain and a trophy to chase.

FAQs – India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026

Q1. What time does India vs South Africa start today? The match starts at 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT) on February 22, 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Q2. Who will open batting for India against South Africa? Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are expected to open the batting for India despite Abhishek’s poor form in the tournament.

Q3. Will Axar Patel play vs South Africa? Yes, Axar Patel is expected to return to the XI after being rested in the previous match where Washington Sundar played.

Q4. What is India’s head-to-head record vs South Africa in T20 World Cups? India lead 5-2 against South Africa in ICC T20 World Cup history, including the 2024 final victory.

Q5. Who is South Africa’s biggest threat in this match? Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock’s opening pair is South Africa’s biggest weapon — both are in exceptional form with strike rates above 160.

Q6. Is there a rain threat for IND vs SA Super 8 match? No. AccuWeather predicts clear skies with temperatures around 26°C — the full 40 overs are expected.

Stay updated with all T20 World Cup 2026 news and match updates on our site.