T20 WC warm-up: Ishan Kishan's 53 helps India overcome SA
What's the story
Ishan Kishan's explosive batting performance led India to a 30-run victory over South Africa in their only warm-up match ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The match was played at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday. Kishan scored a blistering 53 off just 20 balls, hitting seven sixes and two fours in the process. His innings helped India post an imposing total of 240 for five on a flat pitch. In response, the Proteas scored 210/7 in 20 overs.
Bowling performance
Indian bowlers restrict South Africa
The Indian bowlers, led by Abhishek Sharma who took two wickets for 32 runs, restricted South Africa to 210/7. The team used nine different bowlers in the match. However, Harshit Rana was forced to leave the field after bowling just one over due to an injury. He pulled out of his run-up twice and didn't return after that.
Batting struggle
Stubbs, Rickelton and Smith fail to win the game
South Africa's batting lineup struggled against India's bowling attack. George Linde was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the first over by Arshdeep Singh. Ryan Rickelton (44 off 21 balls) and Jason Smith (35 off 23 balls) tried to stabilize the innings with their respective knocks. But Dewald Brevis fell cheaply while Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten at 45 off just 21 balls, hitting four sixes in the process.
Kishan
Kishan zeroes down on opening slot for T20 World Cup
Kishan opened with Abhishek and put on an 80-run partnership in no time. The duo took India to a blistering start during the powerplay. Kishan's aggressive batting saw him score 29 runs in the fifth over itself, hitting four sixes and a four off Anrich Nortje's bowling. With another superb knock following a brilliant series against South Africa, Kishan has booked his berth as an opener for the T20 World Cup ahead of Sanju Samson, who struggled against the Proteas.
Additional contributions
Other Indian batters contribute to team's total
Apart from Kishan, other Indian batsmen also contributed to the team's total. Tilak Varma scored a quickfire 45 off just 19 balls with three sixes and as many fours before being dismissed by Marco Jansen. India skipper Suryakumar Yadav (30 off 16 balls) and Axar Patel (35 off 23 balls) also chipped in with useful contributions. Hardik Pandya provided late fireworks with a blistering knock of 30 runs off just 10 deliveries before falling to Corbin Bosch.