Ahmedabad, February 22 (NationPress) In a stunning display, South Africa's left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen delivered an impressive performance, taking 4 wickets for just 22 runs as they decisively defeated India by 76 runs during their Super Eights match of the Men’s T20 World Cup held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. This loss, witnessed by a crowd of 90,954 fans clad in blue, marked India's first defeat in an ICC event since the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the same location.

After a shaky start, falling to 20/3 within just four overs on a slow pitch, South Africa mounted a remarkable comeback led by David Miller and Dewald Brevis. Miller scored a brilliant 63 runs off 35 balls, while Brevis contributed 45 runs, forming a vital partnership of 97 runs that stabilized their innings.

Following Miller's dismissal, South Africa's run rate dipped, accumulating only 39 runs from overs 14 to 19, until Stubbs unleashed a powerful final over, hitting Hardik Pandya for a four and two towering sixes, propelling South Africa to 187/7 with an unbeaten score of 44 runs off 24 balls.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah shone with figures of 3 wickets for 15 runs, while Arshdeep Singh supported with 2 wickets for 28 runs. However, the rest of the bowling attack, including Varun Chakaravarthy's 1 for 47, struggled to contain the Proteas' assault. India's batting never gained traction, crumbling to 51/5 before reaching the halfway mark.

Shivam Dube provided some resistance with 42 runs, but the required run rate proved too steep as India was bowled out for just 111 runs in 18.5 overs. In addition to Jansen's 4-22, Keshav Maharaj took 3-24, and Corbin Bosch claimed two wickets, while captain Aiden Markram contributed with one wicket in the opening over.

South Africa's commanding victory stemmed from their tactical discipline and flawless execution. Their bowlers, particularly Lungi Ngidi, effectively varied their pace, utilized the ground's dimensions, and consistently disrupted India's batting rhythm.

This result served as a stark reminder for India, ending their remarkable 12-match winning streak in T20 World Cups. The heavy defeat highlighted vulnerabilities in their batting lineup, leaving the defending champions needing wins against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to maintain semi-final hopes, especially with their net run rate now at -3.8.

South Africa's choice to bat first started poorly when Bumrah dismissed Quinton de Kock with a nip-backer. Arshdeep also found success, claiming Aiden Markram's wicket as he picked out mid-off. Bumrah returned to deceive Ryan Rickelton with a slower ball, leading to an easy catch at mid-off.

Miller, familiar with the pitch from playing IPL cricket for the Gujarat Titans, looked in great form from the outset. His shots were perfectly timed, taking boundaries off Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep. Meanwhile, Brevis joined the attack, scoring 11 runs off Washington Sundar's initial over.

With Chakaravarthy overpitching, Miller and Brevis dispatched him for sixes, while Dube also faced the wrath of Brevis, who mis-timed a pull for a catch at deep mid-wicket. Miller capitalized on a free hit, lofting a drive over extra cover to reach his fifty in just 26 balls.

After Miller's dismissal to long-off against Chakaravarthy, Bumrah and Arshdeep bowled tight overs, keeping South Africa restrained. Arshdeep's over saw Marco Jansen caught out at deep mid-wicket, while Bumrah seized a return catch from Corbin Bosch. Stubbs managed to score 20 runs in the final over against Hardik, setting a competitive total.

India struggled right from the start when Ishan Kishan attempted a wild slog against Aiden Markram, resulting in a top-edge catch at cover. Marco Jansen then dismissed Tilak Varma with a delivery that produced extra bounce, which Varma failed to negotiate.

Abhishek Sharma briefly counter-attacked, hitting a six and a four off Kagiso Rabada but fell for just 15 when Jansen's knuckleball caught him off-guard, leading to a catch at mid-wicket.

Despite the dew, Markram managed his bowlers effectively, ensuring the Indian batters never found their rhythm. India tried to stabilize the innings by promoting Washington Sundar, but the move backfired as he edged a delivery from Corbin Bosch behind the stumps.

In Bosch's next over, he struck again, dismissing Suryakumar Yadav, which left India in disarray at 51/5 after just 9.1 overs. The required run rate steadily increased, with Ngidi's variations tightening the pressure on Dube and Hardik Pandya.

As the pressure mounted, Pandya attempted to break free against Maharaj but was caught at long-off. India’s collapse continued when Maharaj dismissed Rinku Singh for a two-ball duck, and Arshdeep was caught out by long-on. Dube's late efforts with some big hits proved futile as South Africa clinched a decisive victory.

Brief Scores: South Africa 187/7 in 20 overs (David Miller 63, Dewald Brevis 45; Jasprit Bumrah 3-15, Arshdeep Singh 2-28) defeated India 111 all out in 18.5 overs (Shivam Dube 42, Hardik Pandya 18; Marco Jansen 4-22, Keshav Maharaj 3-24) by 76 runs.