As the hosts and defending champions India suffered a shocking big defeat against South Africa in their first Super Eights fixture at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday night (February 22), former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed the Indian team management for the defeat.

After South Africa chose to bat first, they scored 187/7 in 20 overs, while they were once struggling at 20/3. In reply, India were bundled out for only 111 runs, as the Men in Blues lost by 76 runs, which has affected their net run rate in the Super Eight stage Group 1 points table. 

The common criticism after India's big defeat against South Africa in Super Eights of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

One common criticism of the defeat is not playing with the all-rounder Axar Patel for the match, who is the vice-captain of the Men in Blue. Moreover, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the home venue for the Indian all-rounder. The Indian team made no changes in the playing XI, as Washington Sundar remained in the playing XI, who replaced Axar Patel in their last group stage game against the Netherlands. While the off-spinner Sundar bowled only two overs, conceding 17 runs without taking any wickets, he scored 11 runs off 11 balls after coming to bat at no.5, above Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh.   

Mohammad Kaif reminds why Axar Patel is important for India

Former Indian cricketer and U19 World Cup-winning captain Mohammad Kaif questioned India's team selection, as to how they couldn't select the vice-captain Axar Patel. 

Kaif reminded that Axar won the Player of the Match award during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-final against England, and played a very helpful knock of 47 off 31 balls while India were struggling in the Final against South Africa. The former Indian cricketer further added that the Men in Blue shouldn't break their main squad, as Axar is a part of India's strongest playing XI from the beginning of the tournament. 

🚨🚨Mohammad Kaif smashed captain & team management!!

- Axar Patel was MOTM in SF against England in last T20I WC.

- He scored crucial runs in Final against South Africa also after early collapse.

How many overs Sundar bowled? What he did with bat?pic.twitter.com/UsmLy4yktr

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) February 22, 2026

In the first Group 1 match of the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa thrashed the hosts and defending champions India to take strong revenge for their 2024 T20 World Cup Final defeat.

South Africa outplayed India 

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosted the match on Sunday night (February 22), where South Africa chose to bat first. Struggling from 20/3, experienced David Miller (63 off 35 balls) played a great knock along with support from Dewald Brevis (45 off 29 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (44 not out off 24 balls), as Proteas scored 187/7 in 20 overs.

Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh (2/28) had strong performances, but the other bowlers struggled in the innings. 

In reply, India were never in the chase, as only the middle-order batter Shivam Dube managed to score 42 off 37 balls, as India were bundled out for only 111 runs in 18.5 overs and lost by 76 runs.  

Watch: David Miller and Washington Sundar engaged in heated altercation during IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

Here are some reactions after India's humiliating defeat against South Africa in Super Eights of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

#ICCT20WorldCup2026 | Gujarat: South Africa beat India by 76 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, in a Super 8 Group 1 match.

Nilesh, a Team India supporter, says, "...They (South Africa) definitely played better, so they won. Wins and losses keep happening. The biggest… pic.twitter.com/X3ldZh4AwU

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

#WATCH | A Team South Africa supporter says, "I feel very happy. It's a win for South Africa, it's a win for all African countries. We are proud Africans. Shout-out to Rabada, shout-out to Markram. But India is our place, our home. We are very thankful; we love India...We (South… pic.twitter.com/2bO2HIgJxS

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Ye Tha Masterstroke?
Washington Sundar In, Axar Patel Out 😱
Flop Planning by Team & Management!#INDvsSA #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/onMZx31lnI

— Sports Yaari (@YaariSports) February 22, 2026

SUSHANT MEHTA MIMICKING SURYAKUMAR YADAV 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/qhCJFFOo1r

— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) February 22, 2026

Panauti stadium 😭 #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/Yvm47cWYDb

— Nand@n (@nandantwts) February 22, 2026

Gidte padte agar final pahuch bhi gaye to isi panauti stadium mein final khelna hoga .

Isse achcha naa hee pahuche

— Sumit (@sumitsaurabh) February 22, 2026

#WATCH | Ritesh, a Team India supporter, says, "Mistakes kept happening from the beginning till then end throughout the match. I think we were not at all prepared for Aiden Markram, their first bowler. We had never thought that a non-bowler like him could bowl like that. So, that… pic.twitter.com/TrrYaFdhU9

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

Really disappointing performance from Team India today. The batting struggles were exposed by South African bowlers, but honestly, this has been a recurring issue throughout the World Cup.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 22, 2026

Was laughing at Sri Lanka's batting performance so Team India ensured I don't.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 22, 2026

Not our day, beaten by a better team. South Africa checked all the boxes tonight. Chin up Team India, it's just one of those days, you'll bounce back in the next one! #T20WorldCup #IndvsSA

— Abijeet (@Abijeet) February 22, 2026

Sometimes all you need is a wake-up call.#INDvsSA

— zomato (@zomato) February 22, 2026

It is time for the Super Eights challenge in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as the hosts and defending champions India are ready to host South Africa in their first Group 1 match in the Super Eights stage, which Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting on Sunday night (February 22). Before the beginning of the match, we came to know that the Indian vice-captain Axar Patel isn't in the playing XI for the game, and here we have brought the reason for his absence. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Super Eights (Group 1) – IND vs RSA: India unchanged; Axar Patel not playing

After South Africa chose to bat first at Ahmedabad, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that they haven't made any changes in their last playing XI, which means that the vice-captain and all-rounder Axar Patel is not in the playing XI.  

While there is no fresh injury news for Axar Patel, the Indian team management has decided not to change their latest playing XI. It may also be a tactical choice to go with a offspin bowling all-rounder rather than the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, while South Africa have three strong left-handed batters till the top middle-order batting.  

Axar Patel got six wickets in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Although Axar Patel has struggled with the bat in the three group stage matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup, scoring 14 and two ducks, he got two wickets each in those three games. So, the T20I vice-captain is very crucial for the Men in Blue, while Ahmedabad is his home town, but he has now missed both of his home town fixtures in the tournament. 

While Washington Sundar featured in the last game against the Netherlands, he didn't get an opportunity to bat, but with the ball in hand, he had the bowling figures of 4-0-36-0. 

It is time for the first match of Group 1 in the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as the India vs South Africa match is set to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday night (February 22). 

It is the battle between the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 finalists, where India claimed a seven-run win to lift the trophy for the second time. 

Both India and South Africa are unbeaten in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as both finished on top of their respective groups' points table. As the hosts, the defending champions India beat the United States of America, Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands in Group A.

In the meantime, South Africa were in Group D during the group stage, where they beat Canada, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates, while the Proteas claimed a Super Over win against Afghanistan.   

Watch: Hardik Pandya delights fans with autographs and Gujarati conversations ahead of IND vs RSA T20 World Cup 2026 clash

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 1, Super Eights - IND vs SA: Toss Update

South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bat first. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 1, Super Eights - IND vs SA: Playing XIs

India are unchanged for the match. 

India playing XI

Hosts Sri Lanka are ready for their first match of the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as they face England, who are also playing their first game in the Super Eights, in the Group 2 fixture at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday afternoon (February 22).

Sri Lanka and England both finished as the runners-up in their respective groups during the group stage of the tournament. Sri Lanka were in Group B, where they beat Ireland, Oman, and Australia before ending the group stage with a defeat against Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, England finished Group C as the runners-up, having won against Nepal, Scotland, and Italy, while suffering a defeat against the West Indies.  

See Also: Know latest weather report ahead of SL vs ENG Super 8 clash in T20 World Cup 2026

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 2, Super Eights - SL vs ENG: Toss Update

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to field first

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 2, Super Eights - SL vs ENG: Playing XIs

Sri Lanka made two changes in the playing XI. Dushmantha Chameera and Kamil Mishara have replaced Pramod Madushan and Kusal Perera.

Sri Lanka playing XI

After the end of the tight group stage in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the tournament has now entered the Super Eights stage. While the first match of the Super Eights, New Zealand vs Pakistan (Group 2), has been delayed due to rain, there is a big question for cricket fans. Is there a reserve day for the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026?

R Premadasa Stadium (Colombo) is hosting the first game of the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday night (February 21). After Pakistan chose to bat first at the toss, the rain forced a delayed start. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Is there reserve day for Super Eights matches?

In this situation, fans are asking for any reserve days option for the Super Eights. However, there is very clear information from the International Cricket Council (ICC) before the beginning of the tournament, as there is no reserve day for the group stage and Super Eights of the competition. 

So, if the New Zealand vs Pakistan match ends with no result on Saturday night, both teams will share one point each, as there are no reserve days for the Super Eights matches.

Reserve days only for knockout stages (Semi-finals and Final)

Just like the previous ICC tournaments, the reserve days are only available for the Semi-finals and the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. If Pakistan qualify for the Semi-finals and the Final of the tournament, R Premadasa Stadium (Colombo) will host Pakistan's Semi-final match along with the Final (if Pakistan qualify), and in these cases, reserve days are very important.

Meanwhile, if Pakistan fail to qualify for the Semi-finals, Eden Gardens in Kolkata (will replace R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo) will host the Semi-final along with Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Further, in that scenario, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the Final of the tournament. 

Pakistan are ready for their first Super Eights challenge of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as they are facing New Zealand in Group 2 at R Premadasa Stadium (Colombo) on Saturday night (February 21). For this crucial match, there is one big question from Pakistan fans: whether Fakhar Zaman is playing the match or not.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Super Eights (Group 2): PAK vs NZ – Fakhar Zaman returns

In the first Super Eights match of the tournament, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bat first after winning the toss. Pakistan skipper also confirmed that they have made one change for the playing XI, as Fakhar Zaman is in the playing XI, and he replaced Khawaja Nafay. However, due to rain, the start of the game has been delayed.

The 35-year-old Fakhar Zaman is finally getting match time in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as the left-handed batter is ready to play his first match of the tournament. He wasn't selected for all four matches in the group stage. 

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 2, Super Eights - NZ vs PAK: Toss Update and Playing XI

Why was Fakhar Zaman dropped?

In 117 T20Is, Fakhar Zaman scored 2385 runs with an average of 23.38 and a strike rate of 130.75, including 13 half-centuries. In the last five T20Is, Fakhar disappointed with the scores of 1, 3, 5, 10, and 10 runs, respectively. These poor batting forms were the reason for Fakhar's drop from the playing XI during the group stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup.

However, Pakistan's T20I batting is vulnerable right now, as the batting faced huge challenges in the group stage. While Pakistan can't afford any further hiccups in the Super Eights, just like others, batting surely needs to improve. With very limited options, the Pakistan team management has finally decided to go with experienced Fakhar Zaman for their first Super Eights match against the strong Blackcaps.

By thrashing Pakistan in the Group A fixture of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday night (February 15), the co-hosts and defending champions India have secured their place for the Super 8 stage of the tournament. Here, we have brought India's complete schedule for the Super 8 stage in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The two-time champions India won their first three matches of Group A in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Starting the tournament with a 29-run win against the United States of America at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Men in Blue then claimed their record-margin T20 World Cup victory against Namibia by 93 runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. 

R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo hosted the India vs Pakistan match, where the defending champions dominated the entire game and won by 61 runs to secure their place for the Super 8 stage of the tournament. India are yet to play one match of the group stage, as they will face the Netherlands at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday night (February 16).

Watch: Rohit Sharma hugs former KKR coach during IND vs PAK T20 WC match in Colombo

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Super 8 stage

A total of 20 teams have participated in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, starting with four groups with five teams each. The top two teams in each group will advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament, which have been divided into two groups with four teams each. The top eight-ranked teams have already been seeded for the Super 8 group stage, while the other remaining teams can replace them by finishing in the top two places of a group. 

While India are strongly standing at the top of Group A, they have qualified for the Super 8 stage. Whether they finish in the top or in the second position of Group A, the hosts will play the Super 8 stage from Group 1, where the other seeding teams are Australia (Group B), West Indies (Group C), and South Africa (Group D). 

Here are the complete Indian schedule for Group 1 in the Super 8 stage of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

• February 22: India vs South Africa – Ahmedabad
• February 26: India vs Zimbabwe/Australia (Subject to qualify) – Chennai
• March 1: India vs West Indies – Kolkata