'Drop the ego': Aiden Markram after South Africa thrash India in opening T20 World Cup Super 8 clash
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
South Africa delivered a commanding performance in their opening Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup, defeating India by a hefty margin of 76 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing a target of 188, India faltered spectacularly, collapsing to just 111 runs in 18.5 overs on a challenging pitch. The Proteas’ bowlers were dominant throughout, with Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Corbin Bosch leading a stellar collective effort. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s early brilliance, India’s batting line-up failed to capitalize on opportunities, ultimately succumbing to South Africa’s disciplined bowling.
South Africa’s innings was marked by solid partnerships and adaptability. After an initial wobble, David Miller and Dewald Brevis steadied the ship with a crucial partnership, helping their side reach 187/7. Captain Aiden Markram praised his team’s ability to assess the pitch conditions early on and execute their plans effectively. He highlighted the importance of the Miller-Brevis partnership in keeping the team in the game and emphasized how the bowlers’ performance provided a much-needed boost after South Africa’s slow start to the tournament.
Markram also acknowledged the threat posed by Lungi Ngidi, particularly in the middle phase of the innings. Looking ahead, he warned against complacency, noting that upcoming opponents like the West Indies pose a significant challenge. For India, the match exposed serious flaws in their batting, particularly under pressure and on a surface where timing was crucial. The top-order struggled to build meaningful innings, with even key players like Suryakumar Yadav failing to find fluency. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube attempted to rebuild but were ultimately stifled by South Africa’s disciplined bowling plans.
This result serves as a reality check for India, who were expected to perform strongly as hosts. Meanwhile, South Africa’s victory not only solidified their position in the Super 8s but also showcased their ability to adapt and compete at the highest level. The match highlights the unpredictability of T20 cricket and underscores the importance of consistency across all departments. For fans worldwide, this clash provides a glimpse into the competitive nature of the T20 World Cup, where even the strongest teams must remain sharp and adaptable to secure success.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026