Give feedback
Explosive Start Before Rabada Strikes Back
West Indies came out all guns blazing in this high-stakes T20 World Cup Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad. The Caribbean openers launched a brutal assault early, smashing 17 runs off the first over from Keshav Maharaj and adding 12 more in the second against Marco Jansen. For a brief moment, it looked like South Africa were under serious pressure. However, Kagiso Rabada quickly turned the tide. He removed Shai Hope off the second ball of the third over, with Quinton de Kock taking a sharp catch behind the stumps. Soon after, another wicket fell, and Maharaj completed a neat catch at mid-wicket to dismiss the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer. From dominance to damage control, West Indies suddenly found themselves in trouble.
One Change for WI, Big Stakes for India
West Indies made one tactical change ahead of the match, bringing in Roston Chase for Akeal Hosein, likely due to the slight grass cover on the pitch. South Africa, meanwhile, stuck with the same XI. Skipper Shai Hope had earlier expressed confidence, saying his team wanted to replicate the aggressive batting display they showed against Zimbabwe. That day, Hetmyer and Rovman Powell powered WI to 254/6, the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history.
Why This Match Matters So Much to India
What makes this clash even more compelling is its impact on India’s semifinal hopes. After suffering a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa, India no longer control their own destiny. With a negative net run rate of -3.800, Suryakumar Yadav’s side needs results to go their way. If South Africa defeat West Indies today, India simply need wins against Zimbabwe and the Caribbean side to qualify. However, if WI win, India must not only win both remaining matches but also do so convincingly to improve their net run rate.
Semifinal Door Opening for the Winner
Whoever wins today will have one foot firmly in the semifinals. South Africa, who recovered from 20/3 to beat India thanks to David Miller and Dewald Brevis, have shown resilience. Meanwhile, West Indies have already demonstrated their firepower in this Super 8 stage. As the match unfolds at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Indian fans will watch anxiously — because for them, this is more than just another game.
