“South Africa Took Revenge,” Says Former Pakistani Cricketer Mohammad Hafeez on India’s Defeat

New Delhi: Defending champions India suffered a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super-8 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, marking the largest margin of defeat by runs in T20 World Cup history for the team. This loss has made India’s path to the semifinals much more challenging. To advance, India must win both their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies and improve their net run rate to stay ahead if teams are tied on points.

Mohammad Hafeez Comments on India’s Loss

Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez shared his views on a Pakistani sports show, calling South Africa’s victory a form of “revenge” for the 2024 T20 World Cup final. “It was revenge,” Hafeez said, referring to the final between India and South Africa in 2024.

In that 2024 final, India had defeated South Africa by just 7 runs. Batting first after winning the toss, India posted 176/7 in 20 overs, and South Africa fell short, scoring 169/8 in 20 overs while chasing 177.

Match Recap: T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8

In the 2026 Super-8 clash, South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first. The visitors put up a competitive total of 187/7 in 20 overs, with David Miller scoring 63 runs. India’s pacer Jasprit Bumrah took the most wickets for his team with 3 scalps.

Chasing 188, India’s batting lineup completely collapsed, getting all out for 111 in 18.5 overs. Shivam Dube top-scored with 42 runs, while no other batter managed 20 or more. South Africa’s Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets.

This defeat has reignited comparisons with the 2024 final and added pressure on India to deliver dominant performances in their remaining Super-8 matches.