A high-stakes battle awaits at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada as the West Indies Women look to level the series against a confident Sri Lankan side. After a nail-biting 10-run victory in the series opener, the visitors are just one win away from a historic series clinching on Caribbean soil.

In the first ODI, Sri Lanka proved they are no longer just a one-woman show. Despite a modest contribution from captain Chamari Athapaththu, the middle order stepped up with gritty half-centuries from Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama.

For the West Indies, it was a story of so close, yet so far. A brilliant 89-run partnership between the legendary Stafanie Taylor and youngster Jannillea Glasgow put them in the driver’s seat, but a late-order collapse, triggered by the guile of veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera, left them 10 runs short.

West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 2nd ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 22; 07:00 pm IST/ 01:30 pm GMT/ 09:30 am Local
• Venue: National Cricket Stadium, St Georges, Grenada

National Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The surface at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada is expected to be a balanced yet demanding track that evolves as the game progresses. In the morning, the humidity often provides early moisture, offering seamers some zip and movement with the new ball. However, as the sun bakes the surface, the pitch tends to slow down significantly. Historically, this venue has been a spinner’s paradise in the middle overs, highlighted by spinners taking 12 wickets in the previous match. While the outfield is fast, rewarding aggressive stroke-makers, batters will need to show patience as the ball begins to grip and turn.

Also READ: Inoka Ranaweera guides Sri Lanka to a thrilling win over West Indies in 1st Women’s ODI

Squads

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shunelle Sawh, Stafanie Taylor

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Nimasha Madushani, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi

West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women, Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• West Indies Women wins the toss and bowls first
• Sri Lanka Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
• Sri Lanka Women’s total score: 230-240

Case 2:

• Sri Lanka Women wins the toss and bowls first
• West Indies Women’s powerplay score: 40-50
• West Indies Women’s total score: 220-230

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Fans erupt as Smriti Mandhana powers India to series-clinching win over Australia in 3rd Women’s T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

The heavyweights collide in Ahmedabad, the Narendra Modi Stadium sets the stage for a blockbuster rematch of the 2024 Final. Both India and South Africa enter the Super 8s with unblemished records, having dominated their respective groups with four wins apiece.

While India’s path through Group A was defined by clinical bowling and a formidable +2.500 NRR, South Africa showed nerves of steel in Group D, surviving a double Super Over thriller against Afghanistan.

The Men in Blue are expected to make a tactical swap, bringing in local hero Axar Patel for Washington Sundar. Despite Abhishek Sharma’s recent struggle with three consecutive ducks, the management is likely to back the youngster’s explosive potential over a theoretical swap for Sanju Samson.

After resting key players in their dead rubber against UAE, the Proteas will revert to their full-strength lineup. The return of David Miller and Marco Jansen adds much-needed muscle, while the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram will look to exploit India’s left-heavy middle order.

IND vs SA: Ahmedabad Weather Forecast

Weather conditions in Ahmedabad for Sunday’s blockbuster Super 8 clash between India and South Africa are looking near-perfect. Current conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium show a temperature of 28°C with sunny skies and a light breeze coming from the northeast at 1 mph. The humidity is currently at 33% with a 0% chance of rain, ensuring no immediate threat to the start of play.

As the match progresses into the evening, the forecast remains favourable for a full 40-over contest. The daytime high is expected to reach 34°C before dipping to a low of 19°C tonight. The evening sky will be clear with a consistent 0% probability of precipitation. Winds are expected to shift slightly, coming from the northwest at 6 mph, which may offer some movement for the pacers under the lights. While the air remains dry with 29% humidity forecasted for the day, local reports suggest that dew typically settles in during the second innings at this venue, which could significantly impact the grip for spinners.

IND vs SA: Dew factor at the Narendra Modi Stadium

The dew factor is expected to be a major tactical headache for both captains tonight in Ahmedabad. As evening temperatures drop toward 19°C, heavy moisture typically settles on the Narendra Modi Stadium outfield during the second innings. This makes the ball significantly harder for spinners to grip, often neutralizing their turn and allowing the ball to skid onto the bat. Consequently, the chasing team gains a distinct advantage as the ball comes on faster and becomes difficult for pacers to control at the death, making the toss a potential game-changer.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Varun Aaron names biggest threat for India in Super 8 match against South Africa

IND vs SA: Toss Prediction

In Ahmedabad, the toss winner is highly likely to elect to bowl first, a decision underpinned by three tactical drivers specific to the Narendra Modi Stadium:

• The dew factor: Unlike the drier conditions in day, evening games in Ahmedabad during February are heavily influenced by significant dew. As temperatures plummet to 19°C, the outfield becomes slick, making it nearly impossible for spinners to grip the white ball. Captains will prefer to chase to ensure their bowlers operate with a dry ball while forcing the opposition to struggle with a wet cake in the second innings.
• Black-soil dynamics: The match will be played on a black-soil pitch, which traditionally offers a consistent, carpet-like bounce that favours stroke-making. While the surface might be slightly tacky initially, it tends to skid on better under lights. South Africa’s recent successful chase of 175 against New Zealand at this very venue proves that the deck becomes a batter’s paradise as the game goes late.
• Chasing success at night: While historical data shows a slight tilt toward teams batting first in Ahmedabad, recent T20 World Cup night fixtures have favoured the chasing side. With a lightning-fast outfield and high-scoring potential, both Suryakumar and Markram will likely back their explosive middle orders featuring finishers like Hardik Pandya and Miller to hunt down any target bolstered by the logistical advantage of chasing under the lights.

Also READ: Deep Dasgupta unveils his preferred India XI for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 showdown against South Africa

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.

Also READ: IND vs SA, T20 World Cup 2026 Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between India and South Africa?

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

Also READ: Shikhar Dhawan marries Irish girlfriend Sophie Shine in dreamy ceremony; viral pics take internet by storm

Familiar foes meet again on the big stage as England and Sri Lanka face off in a high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. While England arrive with the confidence of a recent 3-0 bilateral sweep on this very ground, the co-hosts have found a new gear in this World Cup, making this far more than a simple rematch.

SL vs ENG: T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka have been the form side, clinical in their execution, highlighted by a dominant chase against Australia. Despite missing Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, the “Lankan Lions” have relied on the heavy scoring of Pathum Nissanka (199 runs in the tournament) and the tactical captaincy of Dasun Shanaka.

England, under Harry Brook, has taken a more turbulent path. Narrow escapes against Nepal and Italy have raised questions about their top-order consistency. While their finishing power remains elite, they are grappling with a significant tactical blow: the potential loss of Jacob Bethell as a bowling option. Bethell, who took 4/11 at this venue earlier this month, is carrying a finger injury that requires strapping—a covering usually banned for bowlers under ICC regulations.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Fans react as rain ends Super 8 contest between Pakistan and New Zealand before it begins in Colombo

SL vs ENG: Pallekele Weather Forecast

For the high-stakes Super 8 clash between Sri Lanka and England in Pallekele, the weather forecast for Sunday, February 22, suggests a match heavily impacted by persistent tropical rain and shifting playing conditions. Here is the hour-by-hour descriptive forecast starting from the scheduled 3:00 PM local start:

• 3:00 PM – The match is set to begin under challenging conditions with a temperature of 24°C and a high humidity of 74%. Rain is expected to be present at the toss, potentially delaying the start or forcing captains to consider the DLS method immediately. A light westerly wind of 9 km/h will offer little dispersion for the heavy cloud cover.
• 4:00 PM – As the first innings progresses, the rain is forecast to continue. While the temperature remains steady at 24°C, the humidity drops slightly to 63%. This remains a high-risk period for play, with the real feel sitting at 25°C, making the air feel thick and oppressive for the bowlers and fielders navigating a damp outfield.
• 5:00 PM – Heading into the middle overs, the mercury dips to 23°C. Persistent rain remains the dominant feature of the afternoon. With wind speeds dropping to 7 km/h, any rain clouds sitting over the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium are likely to linger, making this the most probable window for a significant atmospheric disruption or a total halt in play.
• 6:00 PM – There is a glimmer of hope as the clock strikes six. The rain is expected to clear, leaving behind “Cloudy” conditions. Humidity falls further to 49%, which may assist the ground staff in their efforts to dry the surface. Teams will likely be looking at a shortened chase or a frantic sprint to the finish as the sky remains overcast.
• 7:00 PM – As the match reaches its conclusion, the skies remain cloudy with a temperature of 23°C. However, humidity spikes to a massive 90%, and air quality is rated as “Poor.” With wind gusts reaching 15 km/h, the ball may move significantly in the heavy evening air, providing a dramatic backdrop for the final overs of this Super 8 encounter.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Dinesh Karthik picks his semifinalists; includes India and three other powerhouses

Gujarat Titans (GT) young sensation Sai Sudharsan recently turned back the clock during a fascinating conversation with veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel. The left-handed opener was tasked with a unique challenge: constructing an IPL Playing XI consisting entirely of cricketers from the pre-T20 era. Following the IPL’s roster rules, Sudharsan had to pick seven Indians and four overseas players, while also naming a substitute. His final team is a formidable blend of vintage aggression and unrivaled bowling pace.

Kapil Dev to captain, Donald Bradman at 4: Sai Sudharsan unveils pre-t20 era IPL dream XI

Sudharsan’s selection featured a ‘who’s who’ of cricketing royalty, led by the greatest of them all, Don Bradman, and captained by India’s first World Cup-winning hero.

• The Top Order: He opted for a ‘dash and stability’ opening pair of Kris Srikkanth and Navjot Singh Sidhu, followed by the legendary Farokh Engineer behind the stumps at number three. The legendary Sir Don Bradman was slotted in at number four to anchor the middle order.
• The Powerhouse All-Rounders: The engine room of the team features a mix of tactical brilliance and raw power, including former India coach Ravi Shastri, South African ‘finisher’ Lance Klusener and Kapil Dev, who was also named the Captain of the side.
• The Bowling Battery: The attack is terrifyingly fast and skillful, featuring the ‘Swing King’ Wasim Akram, the lethal Jeff Thomson, and the accuracy of Venkatesh Prasad, rounded off by the magical spin of Bishan Singh Bedi.

Sai Sudharsan’s pre-T20 IPL XI:

Kris Srikkanth, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Farokh Engineer (WK), Don Bradman, Ravi Shastri, Lance Klusener, Kapil Dev (C), Wasim Akram, Venkatesh Prasad, Bishan Singh Bedi, Jeff Thomson. (Sub: Robin Singh)

Also READ: CSK recruit Rahul Chahar announces separation from wife Ishani Johar ahead of IPL 2026

Sudharsan’s fitness update for Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026

While the XI was a fun hypothetical, Sai Sudharsan’s own preparation for the IPL 2026 season has been a mix of brilliance and recovery. Despite a right rib fracture sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the left-hander has officially resumed training.

• Domestic Form: He was in scintillating touch during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 192 runs at a strike rate of 152.38.
• GT Pre-Season Camp: Sudharsan has been spotted back in the nets at the Gujarat Titans camp alongside captain Shubman Gill.
• Expectations: After a solid domestic season, the Titans’ management is banking on him to provide explosive starts at the top of the order as they look to reclaim the IPL title in 2026.

Also WATCH: CSK’s record-breaking IPL signing Kartik Sharma faces painful collapse during Mewar Cup season 4

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has begun a new chapter in his life, marrying his Irish girlfriend Sophie Shine in an intimate wedding ceremony in the Delhi NCR region on Saturday, February 21. The couple’s heartwarming pictures have since taken social media by storm, with fans and celebrities alike showering blessings on the newlyweds .

‘Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan’: The official announcement

The 40-year-old former opener made the official announcement through a romantic Instagram post, sharing glimpses of their special day with the simple yet elegant caption, “Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan” . The photographs captured the couple’s unbridled joy – dancing together in celebration, sharing intimate moments, and participating in traditional wedding rituals including the solemn moment of Dhawan applying sindoor to Sophie’s forehead.

Both looked resplendent in designer Manish Malhotra creations. Dhawan opted for a sophisticated white-on-white sherwani with delicate tonal embroidery, accessorized with a layered emerald necklace that created a striking contrast against the ivory fabric. A classic white turban with a jewelled kalgi completed his regal Maharaja-inspired aesthetic.

Sophie, meanwhile, broke from tradition by choosing an ivory lehenga over the classic red, reflecting the rising popularity of pastel bridal palettes in modern Indian weddings. Her ensemble featured soft coral, peach, and sage green floral motifs against the ivory silk base, creating a romantic “blooming garden” effect. The high-neck blouse with cascading pearl strands doubled as jewellery, showcasing a couture trend where garment detailing replaces heavy accessories.

Who is Sophie Shine? The Irish woman who won Shikhar Dhawan’s heart

Sophie Shine is an Irish-born professional who currently serves as Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi. She holds a degree in Marketing and Management from the Lumbrick Institute of Technology and has built an impressive corporate career.

Beyond her corporate role, Sophie is also the Chief Operating Officer of Da One Sports, Dhawan’s sports education initiative focused on grassroots training, and heads the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation . The couple reportedly first met in Dubai several years ago, and Sophie has been a constant presence in Dhawan’s life since.

Their relationship became public knowledge in May 2025 when Dhawan confirmed it with a social media post captioned “My love” accompanied by a red heart emoji. They announced their engagement on January 12, 2026, with a dreamy picture and heartfelt caption that read: “From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever.”

The couple has built a strong social media following, with their light-hearted and humorous reels widely appreciated by fans.

Also READ: Sophie Shine describes first meeting with Shikhar Dhawan and the trait that caught her eye

Dhawan’s pre and post-wedding festivities: Sangeet, haldi and reception 

Before the wedding, the couple celebrated traditional pre-wedding ceremonies. Dhawan shared pictures from their sangeet night on Instagram with the caption “Sangeet Night, almost the Dhawans,” hinting at their impending marriage. He wore a white Indo-western ensemble while Sophie shimmered in a golden lehenga.

Sophie also offered fans a glimpse of the haldi ceremony, posting photos that showed the couple covered in turmeric paste, embracing the pre-wedding ritual with joy and enthusiasm.

Dhawan’s post-wedding celebration, the reception, turned into a star-studded affair with several familiar faces from Indian cricket in attendance. Former India teammates Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and Yuzvendra Chahal were among those who joined the celebrations, adding warmth and camaraderie to the evening.

The occasion was further elevated by the attendance of BCCI officials, who also came to bless the couple and be part of the special moment.

Participated in wedding of cricketer shikhar Dhawan. Wishing a happy married life to him.⁦@SDhawan25⁩ ⁦@ImRo45⁩ ⁦@IrfanPathan⁩ pic.twitter.com/P3qHe2a9fe

— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) February 21, 2026

A new chapter in Shikhar’s life after past heartbreak

This is Shikhar’s second marriage. He was previously married to Ayesha Mukherjee, with whom he shares a son named Zoravar. The couple parted ways in October 2023 after eight years of marriage, with the Delhi family court granting Dhawan a divorce decree.

Dhawan had earlier opened up about the emotional pain of being separated from his son. During an  interview with ANI, he said, “It’s been two years since I saw my son. It’s been a year since we talked. Because I’m blocked from everywhere. Of course, it’s difficult. But… You learn to live with it and I miss him.”

Also READ: Is Ishan Kishan marrying his girlfriend Aditi Hundia? Cricketer’s mother breaks silence

The excitement is building at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 for what promises to be a blockbuster  Super 8 clash as unbeaten India lock horns with a confident South African side at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With both teams carrying flawless records into this crucial phase, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Adding extra spice to the contest is the memory of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where the two sides last met on the biggest stage. That rivalry now reignites, and fans can expect another intense, high-quality battle between two heavyweights of the format.

India head into the game brimming with confidence after four straight wins in the group stage. However, the team management faces a tricky selection call. The debate between Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh continues, but given Ahmedabad’s tendency to assist seamers early on, Arshdeep is likely to keep his spot. There’s also good news for the home crowd, as Axar Patel is expected to return at his home venue, adding balance with both bat and ball.

South Africa, meanwhile, look settled and dangerous. After resting a few key players in their previous outing against UAE, they are set to bring back their strongest combination. David Miller’s firepower, Marco Jansen’s all-round impact and Keshav Maharaj’s control with spin will strengthen their XI significantly.

IND vs SA, T20 World Cup 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: February 22; 7:00 am IST / 1:30 pm GMT
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

IND vs SA, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 35 | India won: 21 | South Africa won: 13 | No result: 01

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is likely to offer a good balance between bat and ball, though it has traditionally favoured the batters. Over the years, this venue has been known for producing high-scoring T20 contests, and during the 2026 World Cup, teams batting first have regularly pushed past the 175-run mark.

Fast bowlers could get some early movement and bounce with the new ball, making the first few overs crucial. As the game progresses and the surface begins to slow, spinners are expected to come into play, finding more grip and turn in the middle overs.

With an evening start on the cards, dew could play a major role. It may make gripping the ball difficult for bowlers in the second innings, which is why the captain winning the toss might prefer to chase.

Squads

India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj

South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Harbhajan Singh predicts Team India’s playing XI for Super 8 clash against South Africa

IND vs SA, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• India wins the toss and bowls first
• South Africa’s powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• South Africa’s total score: 180-190

Case 2:

• South Africa wins the toss and bowls first
• India’s powerplay score: 60-70 (6 overs)
• India’s total score: 200-210

Match result: Team batting second to win the contest.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Fans react as rain ends Super 8 contest between Pakistan and New Zealand before it begins in Colombo

The India National Cricket Team is all set to make a bold move ahead of their Super 8 clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa on Sunday (February 22) in Ahmedabad.

Sanju Samson likely to replace Tilak Varma for South Africa game

As reported by a Revsportz journalist, Rohit Sharma, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is likely to get a chance in the playing XI, replacing Tilak Varma. India’s practice session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad dropped this massive hint.

During the main practice at the center wicket, every Indian batter, including Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Akshar Patel, and Shivam Dubey, took part in full batting drills. The only exception was Tilak Varma, who was seen practicing at the back nets with off-spin bowling, away from the main wicket.

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Read Also: Suryakumar Yadav gives update on Sanju Samson, addresses criticism over Tilak Varma’s sluggish batting

This was a clear hint that the Indian cricket team management is thinking of preferring Sanju Samson for the high-pressure Super 8 match against South Africa. Samson impressed in the nets, spending more than an hour batting against fast bowling with excellent confidence and body language.

Sanju Samson impresses in practice

The journalist shared that the Kerala star was seen carefully batting against spinners, as Hardik Pandya and Akshar Patel would handle the spin attacks later in the innings. He was also involved in lengthy discussion with the support staff, including batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.

In the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Tilak Varma has scored 106 runs in four group-stage matches, but his strike rate of 120.45 has raised some concerns, as it is much lower than his career T20 strike rate of 141.80. Since the tournament enters a crucial phase, India is expected to make some bold moves.

However, the final playing XI is expected to be confirmed after another practice session in Ahmedabad, but the signs point to Samson replacing Tilak Varma for the South Africa clash. Apart from this change, either Akshar Patel or Washington Sundar will make the cut to the side in the Super 8.

Read Also: Abhishek Sharma’s mindset shines amid struggles

Kuldeep Yadav set to return for South Africa Super 8 clash

Meanwhile, the wrist-spin could be the key weapon for India in Ahmedabad. Washington Sundar was tight in the group stage, but the Ahmedabad pitch is perfect for wrist-spinners who can make the ball bounce and turn sharply, paving the way for Kuldeep Yadav’s return.

Kuldeep will bring his experience and wicket-taking ability back into the mix. Alongside him, Varun Chakravarthy, India’s leading wicket-taker so far in the tournament with 9 wickets from four group matches, is ready to make life difficult for South Africa’s middle order.

The Proteas batters, like Aiden Markram and David Miller, have a history of struggling against quality wrist-spin in the past. So, Kuldeep and Varun could play a huge role in controlling the runs and breaking partnerships early on a fast-scoring ground like Ahmedabad.

However, neither Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir nor captain Suryakumar Yadav slipped any hint about the playing XI for the crucial Super 8 match against the Proteas side on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

Australia star and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricketer Glenn Maxwell is likely to take retirement from T20 Internationals. As per the latest media claims, the 37-year-old might have already played his last T20I for Australia.

If the reports are to be believed, then the Australia vs. Oman match on February 20, 2026, in Pallekele, could be his last ever assignment for his nation in the T20Is.

Glenn Maxwell lost his flair in T20Is

Over the years, Glenn Maxwell uplifted himself as an exciting all-rounder in Twenty20 cricket. He was among the top preferred names in the Indian Premier League as well. Despite all the credibilities, the proven all-rounder gradually dropped his flair. In the T20 World Cup 2026, he could not rise on big occasions to prove his ante.

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Australia crashed out of the 2026 T20 World Cup after a lackluster performance in the group stage. Back-to-back defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka forced him to take the exit door. In those 4 matches in the group stage, Maxwell scored only 62 runs in three innings and managed to take only 2 wickets, which was against Oman.

Notable stats of Maxwell’s T20I career for Australia

If we take a look at Maxwell’s performance graph in the T20Is, then the downfall is clearly visible. He scored his last T20I half-century back on August 16, 2025, against South Africa before an 11-match-long streak without hitting a single half-century.

On an overall basis, from 2012 to 2026, the all-rounder confirmed an average of 28.97 after playing 130 matches, including five 100s. He took 51 wickets as well.

Recent stints with Punjab Kings and RCB

It is worth mentioning that Maxwell has already skipped IPL 2026 after being released by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) last year. His performance in the IPL for the last couple of seasons also looked below par. In IPL 2025, for PBKS, Glenn Maxwell secured only 48 runs in 6 innings, averaging 8.00.

A season before, when he was with RCB, the Aussie all-rounder’s batting average was only 5.77, as he was able to notch up only 52 runs in 9 innings. In 2023, his batting average for RCB was 33.33. From 2024, his downfall started, which might have reached the final stage in the form of a retirement.

Overall in his T20 career, the Melbourne-born has played a total of 503 matches to score 10986 for a batting average of 27.53 and clinched 198 with his spin bowling skills at an economy rate of 7.86. As a middle-order batter, his highest T20 score is 154*.

Read More: IND vs SA Preview – Match 43, Super 8 Group 1: Free Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather Report, Head-to-head | T20 World Cup 2026

Ahead of the India match on February 21 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, head coach of South Africa Shukri Conrad opened up about Dewald Brevis, who has been struggling with his form since the beginning of the T20 World Cup 2026. Should the management consider the batter on the bench for a crucial match with India?

During a press conference, Shukri Conrad explained why the young batter is with the team and what the team management is looking for from him in the tournament. In support of his comments, Conrad mentioned how the batter took off in the knockout phase of the SA20 2025-26 after sustaining a below-par performance in the initial stage.

Should South Africa consider to bench Dewald Brevis?

The national team coach clearly stated that Brevis is in the team and constantly in the playing eleven for his ability to create an impact from nowhere. The management has not picked him for long-standing knocks in every single game. He is there only to accumulate some runs with a fast pace.

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“Consistency is really not something we look for in T20 cricket. We’re watching for impact, and Dewald is that player. He can make an impact on the game singlehandedly,” the coach of South Africa said before their match with India for the Super 8 phase of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Conrad explains why the out of form batter is with the team

In support of the comments, the former South Africa opener mentioned Brevis’ stint with the Pretoria Capitals in SA20 2025-26. Capitals qualified for the final of the tournament, though they lost against Sunrisers Eastern Cape Town.

During the initial stage of the contest, the 22-year-old was in an off form. But he bounced back when the team went to play the knockout stage. In the final, the right-handed batter registered an outstanding century as well. Prince described Dewald Brevis as a big-occasion batter.

“So can other players. But the bigger the occasion, the more the real Dewald Brevis stands out. We saw that in the SA20. He had a lean period, and then in running into the knockout stages, he stood up,” the coach added.

Notable knocks by Dewald Brevis in SA20 2025-26 for Pretoria Capitals

Some stats will put some more light on the comments made by Prince. According to Cricbuzz, Brevis scored 141 runs in his first eight innings for Pretoria Capitals, and never more than 36 not out in a match. Then he made 53 off 47 in Pretoria’s last league game to help them beat Joburg Super Kings at the Wanderers.

A few days later, during the qualifier against Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the middle-order batter smashed an unbeaten 75 off 38 and helped Pretoria Capitals to qualify for the final of the tournament.

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