After dominating the group stage with four consecutive wins, the India national cricket team suffered a major setback in their first Super Eight match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. They were defeated by the South Africa national cricket team by a massive margin of 76 runs in Ahmedabad, significantly complicating their path to the semi-finals.

India started strongly with the ball. Jasprit Bumrah put South Africa under early pressure, reducing them to three wickets for just 20 runs. However, David Miller turned the game around with a blistering 63 off 35 balls, guiding his team to a competitive total of 188.

In response, India’s batting lineup collapsed from the outset. They managed only 51 runs for five wickets in the first 10 overs. In the 15th over, Keshav Maharaj struck three consecutive blows, effectively ending India’s hopes. The defeat ended India’s 12-match unbeaten streak in T20 World Cup history.

The loss has severely damaged India’s net run rate, which now stands at minus 3.80. This makes the Super Eight qualification equation far more complicated. In case of tied points, the number of wins will be considered first, followed by net run rate, head-to-head results, and ultimately the ICC T20 rankings if necessary.

India now face two crucial matches—against Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26 and against West Indies in Kolkata on March 1. Not only must they win, but they must do so by large margins to repair their net run rate.

The outcomes of other matches will also influence India’s fate. If Zimbabwe or West Indies manage to defeat South Africa, the group dynamics could change dramatically. However, if South Africa win their remaining matches, the points scenario may become slightly clearer.

In short, India must win both remaining matches convincingly to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Otherwise, their World Cup campaign could come to an early end in the Super Eight stage.