IND vs SA Warm up Match Highlights: India Beat South Africa by 30 Runs in T20 World Cup 2026 Warm up game

IND vs SA Warm-up Match Highlights: Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma Fire as India Crush South Africa by 30 Runs

India delivered a powerful statement ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they defeated South Africa by 30 runs in the 10th Warm-up Match at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. In a high-scoring contest filled with sixes, explosive cameos, and aggressive intent from both sides, India’s massive total of 240/6 proved too much for the Proteas, who ended on 210/7.

The match served as a perfect rehearsal for India, with their batters showcasing fearless hitting and their bowlers producing timely breakthroughs to keep South Africa under control.

Key Performers of the Match

India Batting Stars:

• Ishan Kishan – 53 (20)

• Tilak Varma – 45 (19)

• Hardik Pandya – 30 (10)

• Axar Patel – 35 (23)*

India Bowling Standouts:

• Abhishek Sharma – 2/32

• Arshdeep Singh – 1/29

• Varun Chakaravarthy – 1/12

• Axar Patel – 1/2

South Africa Best Batters:

• Tristan Stubbs – 45 (21)*

• Ryan Rickelton – 44 (21)

• Aiden Markram – 38 (19)

• Jason Smith – 35 (23)

India Post Mammoth 240/6 After Choosing to Bat First

Winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first, and India’s batting lineup responded in brutal fashion, smashing the South African bowlers all around the ground.

The innings was headlined by Ishan Kishan, who played a breathtaking knock of 53 off just 20 balls, including 7 massive sixes. Kishan’s innings ensured India got off to a dream start and put South Africa instantly on the back foot.

Alongside him, Abhishek Sharma added quick runs with 24 off 18 balls, keeping the momentum alive during the powerplay.

India stormed to 83 runs in the first 6 overs, setting the tone for an innings that never slowed down.

Tilak Varma’s 45 Off 19 Balls Turns the Game Into a Run-Fest

After Kishan’s retirement, Tilak Varma continued the assault with an explosive 45 off 19 balls, striking 3 fours and 3 sixes at a stunning strike rate of 236.84.

Tilak looked in complete control and punished both pace and spin, ensuring India crossed 140 in just 11 overs.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav played a fluent knock of 30 off 16 balls, striking boundaries at will before falling to youngster Kwena Maphaka, who was one of the few bowlers to find some success.

Hardik Pandya’s Late Blitz Takes India to 240

While South Africa tried to pull things back in the middle overs, India’s finishing was simply too strong.

Hardik Pandya smashed a sensational 30 off just 10 balls, hammering 3 sixes and 2 fours, finishing with a strike rate of 300. His late fireworks pushed India beyond the 230 mark and ensured South Africa had a mountain to climb.

Axar Patel played a valuable anchoring role, remaining unbeaten on 35 off 23 balls, while Rinku Singh contributed 16 off 13 balls.

India ended with a massive 240/6, one of the highest totals in the warm-up phase.

For South Africa, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Corbin Bosch, and Kwena Maphaka picked up wickets, but the runs kept flowing as the Indian batters dominated.

South Africa Fight Hard But Fall Short at 210/7

Chasing 241, South Africa started with an early blow as George Linde was dismissed for a duck by Arshdeep Singh.

However, captain Aiden Markram counterattacked aggressively, smashing 38 off 19 balls with 4 sixes, showing his intent early in the chase.

The highlight of South Africa’s top-order was wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton, who played a brilliant knock of 44 off 21 balls, hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes.

South Africa reached 66 in the powerplay, keeping hopes alive.

Middle Overs Collapse Hurts South Africa’s Chase

Despite the quick start, South Africa lost momentum after losing wickets in clusters.

Dewald Brevis failed to capitalize and was dismissed for 2, while David Miller managed only 13 off 10 before being removed by Axar Patel.

India’s bowlers used smart variations and kept striking at crucial moments, preventing South Africa from building long partnerships.

Varun Chakaravarthy impressed with tight bowling, taking 1 wicket for 12 runs, while Axar Patel delivered a brilliant over, conceding just 2 runs and picking a wicket.

Tristan Stubbs Shines but India Seal Victory

The biggest resistance came from Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on 45 off 21 balls, striking 4 sixes in a late surge.

All-rounder Marco Jansen also played a strong cameo of 31 off 16 balls, keeping the chase alive until the final overs.

But India’s consistent wicket-taking proved decisive, with Abhishek Sharma emerging as a surprise bowling hero, taking 2 wickets for 32 runs, including the crucial scalps of Jason Smith (35) and Marco Jansen.

South Africa ultimately finished at 210/7, falling 30 runs short of the target.