Defending champions India face a tough road in the World Cup after a heavy defeat to South Africa. The loss has put their semi-final hopes in danger.
India were strong favourites in the T20 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. They were playing on home soil with massive support. However, South Africa stunned 80,000 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
India lost by 76 runs in the Super Eights stage. South Africa posted 187-7 in their innings. In reply, India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs. Their 12-match winning streak in the World Cup ended.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the team was very disappointed. He said India now need “two big performances” to reach the semi-finals. According to him, winning a World Cup requires strong efforts in every match.
The defeat has hurt India’s net run rate. It now stands at -3.8. To qualify, India likely need to win their final two Super Eight matches convincingly. If not, they must rely on other results.
India share their Super Eight group with South Africa national cricket team, West Indies cricket team, and Zimbabwe national cricket team. Only the top two teams will advance in the World Cup.
India’s next match is against Zimbabwe in Chennai. Zimbabwe have already shocked Australia and Sri Lanka. South Africa will face the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
India’s batting struggled badly against South Africa. Fast bowler Marco Jansen took 4-22. Spinner Keshav Maharaj claimed 3-24. India lost early wickets and failed to recover.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team must be smarter in the power play. India were 31-3 after six overs. The score quickly fell to 51-5. He noted that matches cannot be won in the power play, but they can be lost there.
Media criticism followed the defeat. Questions have been raised about the aggressive opening pair. Changes to the batting line-up may be discussed before the next World Cup match.
History also adds pressure. No team has defended the T20 World Cup title. No side has won the trophy at home.
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India must now respond strongly. Their World Cup campaign depends on the next two games.
