India’s explosive batting form continued to impress ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they registered a convincing 30-run victory over South Africa in their only warm-up match at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
In a high-scoring contest, the Indian batters put on a dominant display, piling up a massive total and then holding their nerve with the ball despite some late fireworks from the visitors.
Opting to bat first on a flat surface, India were off to a flying start thanks to an in-form Ishan Kishan. The left-hander played a breathtaking knock, racing to a 20-ball 53 that set the tone for the innings.
Kishan was particularly severe on Anrich Nortje, smashing a sequence of big hits in the fifth over to propel India to 83 for 1 inside the powerplay.
After reaching his half-century, he retired out, having done enough to underline his claim for a top-order spot in the World Cup.
Abhishek Sharma provided support early on, while Tilak Varma looked fluent from the outset, scoring a quick 45 off just 19 balls.
The middle order then ensured there was no let-up. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya both played aggressive cameos, allowing India to finish with an imposing 240 for 5.
South Africa’s experienced pacers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Nortje and Kagiso Rabada conceding heavily on the night.
In reply, South Africa began positively, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton adding quick runs during the powerplay.
Markram struck four sixes in his brisk 38, while Rickelton chipped in with a rapid 44. However, regular wickets pegged them back, and the asking rate kept climbing.
Despite late resistance from Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on 45, the target proved too steep.
India used a variety of bowling options, with Abhishek Sharma picking up two wickets, as South Africa were restricted to 210 for 7.
Although Shivam Dube was taken on at the death, the overall bowling effort was enough to secure a comfortable win.
The warm-up victory not only highlighted India’s batting depth but also reinforced Ishan Kishan’s strong case to open the innings in the tournament opener. With confidence high, India head into the T20 World Cup with momentum firmly on their side.
