T20 World Cup 2026: India vs South Africa Warm-Up Match Highlights

In their only warm-up match before the T20 World Cup in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, India defeated South Africa by 30 runs thanks to a minute-a-mile half-century from in-form Ishan Kishan, which solidified his position in the top order. Ishan's 20-ball 53 highlighted yet another outstanding performance from Indian hitters, who amassed an enormous 241 for five on a calm surface here at the DY Patil Stadium. Ishan went hammer and tongs to smash seven sixes and two fours. The defending T20 World Cup champions then limited South Africa to 210/7 by using up to nine bowling options, including three overs from Abhishek Sharma (2/32). 

During the middle overs, as the spinners tightened the screws with deft variations and astute use of flight, the game shifted decisively in favour of India, gradually raising the necessary run rate. Tristan Stubbs fought all the way to the last delivery, but India won a convincing and well-earned victory thanks to constant pressure from their bowlers and an increasing asking rate that prevented South Africa from ever posing a real danger to the target.

India vs South Africa Warm-Up Match Result:

Abhishek Sharma & Ishan Kishan are going to be a crazy opening combo, gonna be a deadly combo for the opponents. They will smash it from the very first ball.

They are in brutal touch, they are explosive, they are terrifying, they are madmax. Boys can change the course of a match… pic.twitter.com/YX878QjvsT

— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) February 4, 2026

Despite a number of impressive batting performances, India's most notable player was Ishan Kishan. The left-hander, who took Sanju Samson's place at the top, was at the top of his game, smashing 53 runs off just 20 balls, including seven sixes and two fours. He has established a strong case for himself and Abhishek Sharma to start for Team India in the ICC T20 World Cup with this performance. Since returning to the international cricket scene, the Jharkhand batsman has been outstanding. 

India seems to be reaching its zenith at the ideal moment. In addition to relieving any pressure from the home tournament, a strong all-around performance by the reigning T20 champions sends a clear message to the other teams. On February 7, they will play the United States in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. 

David Miller and Dewald Brevis had quiet innings while captain Aiden Markram led the way. Both Jason Smith and Stubbs, who are vying for a spot in the playing XI, had strong innings, and Marco Jansen added a final flourish. Despite being inconsistent throughout the chase, South Africa can be motivated by their dominant batting performance against India. In their first meeting, they will play Canada. 

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