The stage is perfectly set for a high-voltage showdown at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as unbeaten India lock horns with a confident South African side at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22. There’s more than just points at stake – this is a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, and both teams arrive with flawless group-stage records and serious momentum.
India have looked clinical so far, winning all four of their matches to top Group A with eight points. South Africa have matched that intensity, cruising through Group D with four wins of their own. Neither side has blinked yet – and that’s what makes this clash so mouthwatering.
For India, Axar Patel is likely to return at his home ground, adding balance with both bat and ball. The team management still has a tough call to make between Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh, though the seam-friendly Ahmedabad pitch could tilt things in Arshdeep’s favour. South Africa, meanwhile, are expected to restore their strongest XI, with David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada all set to return after being rested.
Ishan Kishan has been India’s batting engine, piling up 176 runs in four innings, while Varun Chakravarthy’s nine wickets have choked oppositions in the middle overs. For the Proteas, captain Aiden Markram’s explosive powerplay strike rate has set the tone.
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report, T20I Stats and Records
The Narendra Modi Stadium has built a reputation over the years as a venue where batters can truly express themselves. The surface generally offers good value for shots, with the ball coming onto the bat smoothly and consistently. For this high-profile clash, a shaved black-soil pitch has been prepared – a type of wicket traditionally associated with pace, reliable bounce, and the potential for big scores.
One of the standout features of this surface is its true bounce and even pace, which gives stroke-makers the confidence to play through the line. Fast bowlers may get some early help, particularly in the first few overs, where there could be a bit of extra carry and slight seam movement to keep things interesting. However, once the shine fades, batting is expected to get easier.
Spinners might not find a great deal of turn, especially under lights, as gripping the ball could become challenging. The large outfield is another factor – while well-timed shots will still fetch boundaries, many good strokes may result in singles and twos rather than fours.
Although the pitch can slow down as the match progresses, the expected evening dew should help balance conditions and prevent it from becoming too sluggish. Interestingly, this surface has evolved over time. Once considered more bowler-friendly, it now tends to offer a slight edge to batters, setting the stage for a competitive and potentially high-scoring contest.
Narendra Modi Stadium T20I Stats and Records
- Matches played: 15
- Matches won batting first: 10
- Matches won bowling first: 5
- Average 1st innings score: 173
- Average 2nd innings score: 151
- Percentage of wickets taken by pacers: 68.75%
- Percentage of wickets taken by spinner: 31.25%
- Highest total recorded: 234/4 (20 Overs) by India vs New Zealand
- Lowest total recorded: 66/10 (12.1 Overs) by New Zealand vs India
- Highest score chased: 178/3 (17.1 Overs) by South Africa vs New Zealand
- Lowest score defended: 107/7 (20 Overs) by West Indies Women vs India Women
