India completed their final T20 World Cup preparations with a convincing 30-run win over South Africa in the warm-up match at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Ishan Kishan’s explosive 53 off 20 balls set the tone as India posted 240 for 5 before restricting the Proteas to 210 for 7.

Ishan Kishan’s Fireworks Light Up Navi Mumbai

Ishan Kishan opened the innings in place of Sanju Samson and immediately announced his intentions. He smashed Lungi Ngidi for six on the second ball of India’s innings. The left-hander from Jharkhand went berserk, especially against Anrich Nortje in the fifth over, hitting four consecutive boundaries - 6, 6, 4, 6.

His 20-ball 53 included seven sixes and two fours before he retired out, giving others batting time. Ishan and Abhishek Sharma put on 80 runs in just 5.4 overs, with Abhishek making 24 off 17 before retiring hurt. This blazing start gave India perfect momentum ahead of their tournament opener against USA on February 7 at Wankhede.

Middle Order Fires as India Post 240

Tilak Varma walked in at number three and continued the assault. He raced to 45 off just 19 balls with three sixes and three fours, adding 66 runs with captain Suryakumar Yadav for the third wicket. Tilak proved his fitness after injury concerns, showing he’s ready for the World Cup challenge.

Suryakumar Yadav made 30 off 16, finding form at the perfect time with three fifties in his last four innings. His timing ahead of the tournament boosts India’s batting firepower. Axar Patel and Rinku Singh then combined for 37 runs, pushing India past 200.

Hardik Pandya provided the late fireworks with 30 off 10 balls, including three sixes and two fours. Marco Jansen and Kwena Maphaka picked one wicket each, but South Africa’s bowlers were thoroughly punished on a batting-friendly surface.

South Africa Fight But Fall Short

Chasing 241, South Africa lost George Linde for a duck in the first over to Arshdeep Singh. Captain Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton counter-attacked with a 65-run stand before Markram retired after the powerplay. Rickelton made 44 but fell in the middle overs along with Dewald Brevis, leaving SA at 96 for 4 after 10 overs.

David Miller couldn’t make an impact, departing in the 11th over. Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 49 not out, adding useful contributions from Jason Smith and Marco Jansen, but the target proved too steep. India’s bowling unit restricted SA to 210 for 7, winning by 30 runs.

Perfect Preparation for Title Defence

This win reinforced India’s status as tournament favourites after their recent 4-1 series victory over New Zealand. The hosts begin their T20 World Cup defence on February 7 against USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India’s middle order depth with Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel looks formidable.

Jasprit Bumrah’s form remains a slight concern after leaking runs in recent matches, but the bowling unit has time to fine-tune. With the tournament hosted in India and Sri Lanka, home conditions favour the defending champions. Suryakumar Yadav’s team has won 31 of 39 matches under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, a 79.48% success rate.

The final takes place on March 8. India’s explosive batting lineup, led by Ishan Kishan’s red-hot form, makes them the team to beat.

Where to Watch T20 World Cup Matches

All T20 World Cup 2026 matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India. Live streaming is available on the JioStar app and website. India’s opening match against USA starts at 7:30 PM IST on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium.