India vs South Africa Prediction: Who Will Win IND vs SA 43rd Match, Super 8 T20 Match on 22nd February 2026?
The India vs South Africa prediction for the 43rd Match, Super 8 T20 2026 sets up a blockbuster clash between two unbeaten giants at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Since 2024, both teams have been the most dominant sides in T20 World Cups—India with a 100% win record (12/12), while South Africa’s only loss in 13 matches came in the 2024 final against India. This fixture could shape Group 1 standings in the Super 8 stage.
India boast strong spin options in Varun Chakravarthy (22 wickets in last two bilateral series vs SA) and Axar Patel, while Shivam Dube has been lethal against spin (SR 183 vs spin post-2024 WC). Tilak Varma’s 496 runs in recent bilateral series underline his reliability.
South Africa, however, have been explosive in the powerplay, with Markram’s promotion as opener transforming their approach. Their familiarity with Ahmedabad conditions—having won three recent T20Is here—adds a tactical edge.
With two high-quality squads and contrasting strengths—India’s spin control vs South Africa’s powerplay dominance—this promises to be a tactical masterclass.
- Unbeaten Titans: India (12 straight wins since 2024) and South Africa (only one loss in 13 matches) enter this clash undefeated in this edition.
- Spin vs Powerplay: India rely on Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel to choke middle overs, while South Africa lead tournament powerplay scoring metrics.
- Key Individual Battles: Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav vs Kagiso Rabada; Markram and De Kock vs Bumrah and Varun.
- Venue Advantage: India have won all 7 T20Is played at Ahmedabad, while South Africa have won their last 3 matches here—making conditions evenly familiar.
Table of Contents
Match Details
| Match | IND vs SA, 43rd Match, Super 8 T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 22nd February 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Broadcast | JioHotstar, Star Sports Network |
Team Previews
India Preview
India enter this Super 8 clash with momentum, confidence, and tactical clarity. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, they have maintained an unbeaten run in global tournaments, showcasing depth across departments. Their campaign in this edition has been built on collective contributions rather than over-reliance on one superstar.
At the top, India’s biggest concern remains the opening combination. Abhishek Sharma has struggled for rhythm, often falling early against spin-heavy attacks. Ishan Kishan, however, has provided stability and aggression, leading India’s run charts in this tournament. His ability to attack both pace and spin makes him crucial in the powerplay.
Suryakumar Yadav continues to be India’s most dynamic middle-order batter. His adaptability at Ahmedabad—where he averages over 30—adds further confidence. Tilak Varma’s consistency against South Africa in recent bilateral series (496 runs in 10 innings) makes him a key player in this fixture. Shivam Dube’s strike rate of over 160 since the 2024 World Cup, especially his dominance against spin, gives India a crucial matchup advantage.
In the all-round department, Hardik Pandya provides balance with his finishing ability and seam overs. Axar Patel offers spin control and lower-order hitting, while Washington Sundar could be included to counter South Africa’s left-heavy top order.
India’s bowling strength lies in spin. Varun Chakravarthy has been exceptional against South Africa historically, taking 22 wickets across the last two series between the sides. His mystery spin is particularly effective in middle overs at Ahmedabad. Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s leader in high-pressure situations, even if wicket tallies haven’t fully reflected his impact.
If India neutralize South Africa’s powerplay aggression and maintain middle-over control, they will hold a strong advantage. Their home record at Ahmedabad (7 wins in 7 T20Is) reinforces confidence heading into this clash.
Top 3 Run Scorers – India | T20 World Cup 2026
| Player | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | 4 | 176 | 44.00 | 77 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 4 | 162 | 54.00 | 84* |
| Shivam Dube | 4 | 116 | 29.00 | 66 |
Top 3 Wicket-Takers – India | T20 World Cup 2026
| Player | Matches | Overs | Wickets | Strike Rate | Runs Conceded | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 4 | 12 | 9 | 8.00 | 62 | 5.17 |
| Axar Patel | 3 | 11 | 6 | 11.00 | 73 | 6.64 |
| Hardik Pandya | 4 | 14 | 5 | 16.80 | 111 | 7.93 |
South Africa Preview
South Africa have emerged as one of the most balanced teams in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Their approach has been fearless, particularly in the powerplay where they lead the tournament in scoring rate and average. The shift in Aiden Markram’s batting role—opening more frequently since 2025—has transformed their structure.
Markram has scored 178 runs in four matches at an impressive strike rate above 180. His partnership with Quinton de Kock provides explosive starts. Ryan Rickelton at No.3 has delivered consistency, striking at nearly 190 while rotating strike effectively.
The middle order is stacked with power hitters. Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller offer the ability to clear boundaries against both pace and spin. Their ability to dominate spin is particularly important against India’s middle-over choke.
However, bowling remains slightly inconsistent. Kagiso Rabada’s modest return (2 wickets in 4 matches) raises concerns about penetration in powerplay and death overs. Lungi Ngidi has stepped up with clever slower balls, picking up 8 wickets in 3 matches. Marco Jansen’s height and bounce make him dangerous under lights at Ahmedabad.
Spin selection will be tactical. Keshav Maharaj is likely to feature due to his control against left-handers, while George Linde may miss out. Corbin Bosch could be preferred for added seam variation.
South Africa’s biggest strength is adaptability. They have already won three T20Is at Ahmedabad in recent times, giving them familiarity with conditions. If their top order sustains its explosive rhythm and Rabada regains form, they have the firepower to challenge India’s unbeaten streak.
Top 3 Run Scorers – South Africa | T20 World Cup 2026
| Player | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | 4 | 178 | 59.33 | 86* |
| Ryan Rickelton | 4 | 145 | 36.25 | 61 |
| Quinton de Kock | 4 | 118 | 29.50 | 59 |
Top 3 Wicket-Takers – South Africa | T20 World Cup 2026
| Player | Matches | Overs | Wickets | Strike Rate | Runs Conceded | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lungi Ngidi | 3 | 12 | 8 | 9.00 | 91 | 7.58 |
| Marco Jansen | 3 | 12 | 7 | 10.29 | 112 | 9.33 |
| Corbin Bosch | 3 | 12 | 5 | 14.40 | 73 | 6.08 |
Team Squads
India Squad
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa Squad
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen
Probable Playing XI
India Probable XI
| Player |
|---|
| Abhishek Sharma |
| Ishan Kishan (wk) |
| Tilak Varma |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) |
| Hardik Pandya |
| Shivam Dube |
| Axar Patel |
| Washington Sundar |
| Varun Chakravarthy |
| Arshdeep Singh |
| Jasprit Bumrah |
South Africa Probable XI
| Player |
|---|
| Aiden Markram (c) |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) |
| Ryan Rickelton |
| Dewald Brevis |
| David Miller |
| Tristan Stubbs |
| Marco Jansen |
| Corbin Bosch |
| Keshav Maharaj |
| Lungi Ngidi |
| Kagiso Rabada |
India vs South Africa Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Ishan Kishan |
| BAT | Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Aiden Markram |
| ALL | Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Marco Jansen |
| BOWL | Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj |
This fantasy combination is structured around match conditions at Ahmedabad, where batting is strong early but the pitch slightly slows in the second innings, bringing spinners into play.
Ishan Kishan is selected as wicketkeeper due to his attacking intent in the powerplay and additional points from catches/stumpings. Suryakumar Yadav remains India’s most dependable batter at this venue, capable of scoring quickly against both pace and spin. Tilak Varma’s impressive record against South Africa makes him a high-floor selection.
Aiden Markram is crucial because he opens the innings and maximizes powerplay scoring opportunities. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube provide all-round value—Dube especially has been destructive against spin, while Hardik contributes with seam overs at the death.
Marco Jansen offers dual value with early swing and lower-order hitting potential. Varun Chakravarthy is a must-pick given his exceptional record against South Africa and middle-over wicket-taking ability. Bumrah remains a premium death-over option, while Ngidi and Maharaj provide variety for South Africa’s bowling unit.
This XI balances top-order run potential with wicket-taking bowlers across phases.
Captain & Vice-Captain Options
Captain Choices:
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Aiden Markram
Vice-Captain Choices:
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Hardik Pandya
Players to Avoid
- Abhishek Sharma (struggling form, vulnerable to swing/spin early)
- Kagiso Rabada (below-par wicket returns in tournament so far)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match – Why India?
India enter this clash with a dominant home record and a spin-heavy attack tailored for Ahmedabad conditions. Their unbeaten streak since the 2024 T20 World Cup reflects strong adaptability across match situations. While South Africa possess explosive powerplay hitters, India’s middle-over spin choke can disrupt momentum effectively.
Varun Chakravarthy’s proven success against South Africa provides a tactical advantage, and India’s finishing depth with Hardik and Dube ensures competitive totals even after slow starts. Additionally, India’s familiarity with Ahmedabad’s large boundaries helps them defend totals effectively.
South Africa’s firepower makes them dangerous, but India’s overall balance and bowling control give them the edge.
Key Reasons:
- 7 consecutive T20I wins at Ahmedabad
- Superior spin options
- Strong middle-order stability
- Better death-over control with Bumrah and Hardik
India hold the slight upper hand in this high-stakes Super 8 encounter.
India T20 History
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 272 | 189 | 74 | 8 | 0 |
India are one of the most dominant T20 nations globally, boasting multiple ICC titles and exceptional win consistency, especially in home conditions and major tournament knockout stages.
India – Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Ground | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31/01/2026 | New Zealand | Greenfield International Stadium | India won by 46 runs |
| 07/02/2026 | United States | Wankhede Stadium | India won by 29 runs |
| 12/02/2026 | Namibia | Arun Jaitley Stadium | India won by 93 runs |
| 15/02/2026 | Pakistan | R. Premadasa Stadium | India won by 61 runs |
| 18/02/2026 | Netherlands | Narendra Modi Stadium | India won by 17 runs |
South Africa T20 History
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 221 | 121 | 97 | 3 | 0 |
South Africa are consistently competitive in ICC events with strong pace depth and explosive batting, though they lack multiple T20 World Cup titles compared to top-tier nations.
South Africa – Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Ground | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31/01/2026 | West Indies | Wanderers Stadium | West Indies won by 6 runs |
| 09/02/2026 | Canada | Narendra Modi Stadium | South Africa won by 57 runs |
| 11/02/2026 | Afghanistan | Narendra Modi Stadium | South Africa won in Super Over (Match Tied) |
| 14/02/2026 | New Zealand | Narendra Modi Stadium | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 18/02/2026 | United Arab Emirates | Arun Jaitley Stadium | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Stats
| Total Matches | India Won | South Africa Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 21 | 13 | 1 |
India lead the rivalry comfortably with 21 wins in 35 T20 encounters. In recent bilateral series, India have maintained control, particularly at home venues where spin plays a decisive role.
Head-to-Head – South Africa vs India (Recent Matches)
| Date | Series | Ground | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/12/2025 | South Africa Tour | Barabati Stadium | India won by 101 runs |
| 11/12/2025 | South Africa Tour | Nahar Singh Stadium | South Africa won by 51 runs |
| 14/12/2025 | South Africa Tour | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium | India won by 7 wickets |
| 19/12/2025 | South Africa Tour | Narendra Modi Stadium | India won by 30 runs |
Also Check: India vs South Africa Head to Head in T20
Pitch Report – Narendra Modi Stadium
The Ahmedabad surface generally offers good bounce and true pace in the powerplay, allowing stroke-makers to play freely. As the match progresses, the pitch slightly slows down, assisting spinners who vary pace intelligently. The large square boundaries make clearing the ropes challenging, favoring teams that rotate strike effectively. In night games, dew becomes a major factor, reducing grip for spinners in the second innings. A competitive first-innings score is around 175–185. Teams with strong middle-over control and death bowling success usually dominate here.
T20I Stats – Narendra Modi Stadium
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 12 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 8 (66.67%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 4 (33.33%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 6 (50.00%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 6 (50.00%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 126* – Shubman Gill (India) – 01/02/2023 vs New Zealand |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/16 – Hardik Pandya (India) – 01/02/2023 vs New Zealand |
| Highest Team Total | 234/4 – India – 01/02/2023 vs New Zealand |
| Lowest Team Total | 66 – New Zealand – 01/02/2023 vs India |
| Highest Successful Chase | 178/3 – South Africa – 14/02/2026 vs New Zealand |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 29.87 |
| Average Runs per Over | 9.21 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 190 |
Last 5 Matches at Narendra Modi Stadium
| Date | Team 1 | Team 2 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19/12/2025 | India | South Africa | India won by 30 runs |
| 09/02/2026 | Canada | South Africa | South Africa won by 57 runs |
| 11/02/2026 | Afghanistan | South Africa | South Africa won in Super Over (Match Tied) |
| 14/02/2026 | New Zealand | South Africa | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 18/02/2026 | India | Netherlands | India won by 17 runs |
Weather Report – Ahmedabad
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 27–29°C |
| Humidity | 50–55% |
| Rain Chances | 5% |
| Wind | Light Breeze |
Clear skies are expected with minimal rain probability. Moderate humidity could create dew in the second innings, favoring chasing teams under lights.
Broadcast Details
The India vs South Africa Super 8 match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India. Fans can stream the match on JioHotstar. Live score updates, commentary, and real-time statistics will also be available via official ICC digital platforms and sports applications worldwide.
Toss Prediction
Given the dew factor in evening matches at Ahmedabad, captains are likely to opt for bowling first. Chasing has proven advantageous under lights due to improved batting conditions in the second innings. South Africa may prefer to field first if they win the toss, leveraging their strong powerplay batting later.
Predicted Toss Winner: South Africa
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For India, Suryakumar Yadav remains the most probable top scorer. His ability to accelerate through unconventional angles and dominate both pace and spin makes him highly reliable at Ahmedabad. Tilak Varma is another strong candidate given his impressive record against South Africa in recent bilateral series.
For South Africa, Aiden Markram is the key batter. Since moving up the order, he has maximized powerplay scoring and maintained an elite strike rate. Ryan Rickelton provides solidity at No.3.
With the ball, Varun Chakravarthy is India’s biggest threat. His mystery spin has historically troubled South African batters. Jasprit Bumrah remains crucial in death overs. For the Proteas, Lungi Ngidi has been their standout wicket-taker, while Marco Jansen provides bounce and early swing under lights.
India vs South Africa Winning Chances
| Team | Winning % | Why They Can Win | Why They Might Lose |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 73% | Strong home record, superior spin attack, middle-order depth | Powerplay vulnerability, heavy left-handed top order |
| South Africa | 27% | Explosive powerplay batting, familiarity with venue | Rabada’s poor form, spin matchup disadvantage |
India hold a statistical and tactical edge due to spin dominance and home familiarity. However, if South Africa dominate the powerplay and avoid middle-over collapses, the contest could swing dramatically.
Match Prediction
India’s spin arsenal and unbeaten run at Ahmedabad give them the upper hand. If Varun Chakravarthy controls the middle overs and Suryakumar Yadav anchors the innings, India should extend their winning streak. South Africa’s explosive start could challenge them, but India’s overall balance makes them favorites.
Prediction: India to win a competitive Super 8 encounter.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – IND vs SA 43rd Match, Super 8 T20
Where is the IND vs SA Super 8 match being played?
The match takes place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, known for balanced surfaces and dew influence in night games.
What is India’s record at Ahmedabad in T20Is?
India have won all seven T20Is played at this venue, making it a fortress for them in the shortest format.
Who is South Africa’s most in-form batter?
Aiden Markram has been outstanding at the top, scoring quickly in the powerplay and setting the tone early.
Which Indian bowler could decide the match?
Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin is likely to be decisive, especially against South Africa’s middle order.
What is a competitive first-innings total?
A score between 175 and 185 is considered competitive at Ahmedabad, depending on dew conditions.
How important is the toss?
Very important. Dew often makes chasing easier under lights, so captains may opt to bowl first.
Can South Africa upset India?
Yes, particularly if their powerplay batters dominate and Rabada regains rhythm. Early wickets could disrupt India’s balance.
Who has better spin resources?
India clearly possess stronger spin depth, which could be decisive on a slowing Ahmedabad surface.
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