Predictions, XI's

The Super 8s are only three matches deep so far in the 2026 ICC T20 cricket World Cup. New Zealand’s match against Pakistan was abandoned after a thunderstorm washed out their chances of playing.

Prior to India’s clash against South Africa, Sri Lanka was facing off against England. Sri Lanka’s bowlers held off England’s batters to only 146 runs before starting their innings. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, they could only muster 95 runs, losing their opening match.

Elsewhere in the sports world, the 2026 Winter Olympics are on their final day. NHLers Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews will clash as Canada plays the USA for the gold medal in men’s hockey. The MLB has begun Spring Training, with the World Series runner-ups, the Toronto Blue Jays, getting their players to shake off the rust from the offseason.

Additionally, the NFL is in its offseason, and the NBA is rapidly approaching its “March Madness.”

With all this in the background, India faces South Africa. The ICC is calling this match “the biggest clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup so far. Huge stakes and a rematch of the 2024 decider.”

India vs South Africa T20 Cricket Super 8 Matchup Predictions

CricToday is expecting an intense match between the T20 heavyweights.

“India will look to extend their strong record against South Africa, while the batting-friendly conditions in Ahmedabad could suit their aggressive approach,” wrote V.M. Suriya Narayanan on February 22, 2026. “With both teams carrying winning momentum, expect a fiercely contested Super 8 Group 1 match in the T20 World Cup 2026.”

Narayanan also expects Ishan Kashan and Varun Chakravarthy to be key figures for India in this clash.

CricketAddictor predicts that whoever wins the toss will want to chase, given the pitch conditions at this venue.

“Aiden Markram and Suryakumar Yadav will be up for the toss,” writes CA news on February 21st, 2026. “And due to the Narendra Modi Stadium being a high-scoring ground, the team winning the toss will opt to have a go with the ball. Teams often like to chase at this venue, and the Indian side would be going for the same, with the in-form batting order.”

In head-to-head (H2H) matchups, India holds the edge. India has a record of 21-13 against South Africa, with a win percentage of 61.76. This gives them a slight edge in today’s match.

India vs South Africa Most Likely XI’s

Here are the confirmed XI’s for this heavyweight Super 8 clash. South Africa won the toss and has decided to bat first.

Projected India XI

Abhishek Sharma

Ishan Kishan (wk)

Tilak Varma

Suryakumar Yadav (c)

Shivam Dube

Hardik Pandya

Rinku Singh

Axar Patel

Varun Chakravarthy

Jasprit Bumrah

Arshdeep Singh

South Africa XI

Quinton de Kock

Aiden Markram (c)

Ryan Rickelton

Dewald Brevis

Tristan Stubbs

David Miller

Marco Jansen

Corbin Bosch

Keshav Maharaj

Kagiso Rabada

Lungi Ngidi

Remaining Super 8 T20 Cricket Schedule For India & South Africa

Following this match, both teams will have two games left for the Super 8s. Here are South Africa’s remaining matches:

February 26 – West Indies vs South Africa – 2:30 AM Mountain Time

March 1 – Zimbabwe vs South Africa – 2:30 AM Mountain Time

And here are India’s remaining matches:

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