The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was expected to be a fortress for India during the 43rd Match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights on February 22, 2026. Instead, it became the backdrop for a humbling 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa and a social media firestorm involving Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. As India’s middle order crumbled under the pressure of a 188-run chase, a singular moment in the stands captured the internet’s attention for all the wrong reasons.
Mahieka Sharma’s reaction after Hardik Pandya’s dismissal goes viral
The defining image of the night wasn’t a soaring six, but rather Mahieka’s reaction to Hardik Pandya’s dismissal in the 15th over. With India reeling at 86/5, the onus was on Pandya to stage a miraculous recovery. However, facing Keshav Maharaj, Pandya attempted to flat-bat a wider delivery over long-off. The connection lacked power, allowing Tristan Stubbs to perform a sensational juggling act on the boundary rope to complete the catch.
As Pandya trudged back to the pavilion after a lackluster 18 off 17 balls, the cameras panned to Mahieka in the VIP stands. In a move that left commentators and fans baffled, she was seen enthusiastically applauding and smiling as if celebrating a milestone. The disconnect between the dire match situation and her cheerful reaction sparked an immediate wave of trolling. Cricket enthusiasts took to X (formerly Twitter) to suggest that Mahieka’s “clueless” celebration proved she lacked a basic understanding of the game’s stakes.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Actually i think she don’t know that his Hardik Pandya is out . #indvssa #savsind #suryakumaryadav #ICCT20WorldCup2026 #HardikPandya #hard https://t.co/PfOsJqO33c
— Akbar Sardar (@akbarsardar156) February 23, 2026
She knows ball!!! https://t.co/IVprIDOhu5
— Josh (@HomelanderBale) February 23, 2026
I also noticed 😂😂 https://t.co/eRLGmPIg6A
— CricketLover (@iamsaurabb) February 23, 2026
didi 18 runs ke liye taali baja rahi thi par uko kon bataye ki T20 me strike rate dekha jata hai. 😭😭 https://t.co/seZ7knjgtz
— Prince. (@merii_mrziii) February 23, 2026
Arrange marriage is scary what if she 😭 https://t.co/cfiy3VEPMp
— Alee (@alee_shah17) February 23, 2026
— Varma (@HV_2224) February 23, 2026
Bro accidentally picked up the girl who doesn’t have cricket sense from bar https://t.co/MTOZ5qJPf4
— “ (@peekaboo_pr) February 23, 2026
Hardik got out and Mahieka was literally clapping at his wicket 😭👏
— CricketSanctum (@SanctumCricket) February 22, 2026
That’s why you guys are single in your life. https://t.co/GRqoKTiKBm
— Rohan Gangta (@rohangangta) February 23, 2026
Noticed Hardik gets out like this a lot https://t.co/AFWw1PfGIZ
— Ani (@annakacarrom) February 23, 2026
Also READ: 3 reasons behind India’s crushing defeat against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash
South Africa thrash India in the crucial Super 8 encounter
While social media was fixated on the stands, the action on the pitch was a one-sided affair. South Africa posted a formidable 187/7, fueled by a blistering 63 off 35 balls from Player of the Match, David Miller. Despite early breakthroughs by Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh, the Proteas middle order capitalized on expensive spells from Pandya and Shivam Dube. Tristan Stubbs provided the final flourish with an unbeaten 44, setting a target that proved insurmountable for the Men in Blue.
Marco Jansen dismantled the top order with figures of 4/22, while Maharaj’s three-wicket haul including the controversial dismissal of Pandya, effectively ended the contest. India lost their final five wickets for just 25 runs, crashing to a 76-run defeat. The loss leaves India’s semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, while South Africa moves to the top of Group 1 with a statement victory that combined clinical bowling with Miller’s trademark power-hitting.
Also READ: South Africa crush India as David Miller, bowlers run riot in Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026
