Navi Mumbai, Feb 4 (UNI) In a high-scoring ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up encounter here on Wednesday, India rode on inspirational batting performances from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya to register a convincing 30-run victory over South Africa at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy.
While several performances stood out in a run-fest of a match, it was the fearless strokeplay of Ishan Kishan at the top and the explosive finishing by Hardik Pandya that set the tone for India’s dominance. Batting first after winning the toss, India amassed a daunting 240 for six in their allotted 20 overs.
Kishan provided the early momentum with a breathtaking 53 off just 20 balls, smashing seven sixes and two fours to dismantle the South African bowling during the powerplay. His aggressive intent ensured India raced to 83 runs in the first six overs, putting immediate pressure on the opposition.
Kishan eventually retired out after taking the attack to the bowlers, leaving the platform firmly in India’s favour.
The middle order capitalised on the strong start, with Tilak Varma hammering 45 off 19 balls and skipper Suryakumar Yadav contributing a brisk 30. However, it was Hardik’s late assault that completely shifted the momentum.
Coming in during the final overs, Hardik blazed his way to 30 off just 10 deliveries, striking three sixes and two boundaries to propel India past the 240-run mark. Axar Patel remained unbeaten on 35, providing stability at the other end.
Chasing a stiff target of 241, South Africa began positively but struggled to sustain the required run rate as wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Aiden Markram scored 38 before retiring out, while Ryan Rickelton kept the chase alive with a rapid 44 off 21 balls.
Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 45 and Marco Jansen struck 31, but the asking rate proved too steep in the closing stages.
India’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Arshdeep Singh striking early, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel tightening the screws in the middle overs, and Abhishek Sharma picking up two wickets to dent South Africa’s momentum. The Proteas eventually finished on 210 for seven, falling short by 30 runs.
The match highlighted India’s depth and firepower ahead of the T20 World Cup, with Kishan’s fearless approach at the top and Hardik’s commanding presence at the death emerging as key positives from the warm-up fixture.
Brief scores:
India 240/6 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45, Hardik Pandya 30; Anrich Nortje 1/57).
South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45 not out; Abhishek Sharma 2/32).
