T20 World Cup: First defeat for India as South Africa strikes, England outplay Sri Lanka

A pulsating day in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight stage saw South Africa hand India a stunning defeat, while England launched their campaign with a convincing win over hosts Sri Lanka.

In a blockbuster Super 8 Group 1 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, South Africa produced a commanding all‑round performance to thrash India by 76 runs , handing India their first loss in the 2026 T20 World Cup and dramatically altering the Super 8 Group 1 equation. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first , posting a competitive 187/7 in their 20 overs . The Proteas recovered strongly after early setbacks in the powerplay, with David Miller and Tristan Stubbs supplying crucial runs and the team reaching a challenging total for the Indian chase.

India’s bowling attack struck early, removing South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram cheaply and dismissing Quinton de Kock inside the Powerplay, but South Africa’s middle order steadied the innings and took advantage of the batting conditions. In response, India’s chase never gained momentum: a cluster of three quick wickets in a crucial phase left the hosts under significant pressure, and partnerships failed to develop. India were eventually restricted well below the target, securing a heavy 76‑run defeat that marks the end of their unbeaten run in this edition of the tournament. The loss not only stops India’s winning streak but also leaves their Super 8 hopes in a more precarious position.

Meanwhile, in Super 8 Group 2 action at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, England began their Super Eight journey on a strong note, defeating Sri Lanka by 51 runs . England posted 146/9 batting first , anchored by a composed 62 from Phil Salt, while contributions from the lower order helped them reach a defendable total. Sri Lanka, chasing what looked a modest target, collapsed dramatically , slumping to 95 all‑out in 16.4 overs .

The pivotal moment came with Will Jacks , whose all‑round display, combining an important cameo with the bat and a brilliant 3/22 with the ball , earned him Player of the Match honours. Supported by strikes from Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Liam Dawson, England’s bowling attack tore through the Sri Lankan top order early, leaving the hosts in deep trouble. Despite a brief fightback from Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka (30), the home side could not recover, extending England’s impressive T20 record against Sri Lanka.

The results leave South Africa and England with crucial wins as the Super Eight stage unfolds, while India and Sri Lanka will be under pressure to regroup ahead of their next fixtures.