Ind vs SA: South Africa Dismantle India by 76 Runs as Bumrah’s Record Overshadowed by Batting Collapse

South Africa exacted a measure of revenge for the 2024 final by dismantling defending champions India by 76 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium. On a night that began with Jasprit Bumrah etching his name into the record books, it ended with a "Proteas Fire" that left the home crowd in stunned silence as India’s Super Eight campaign started with a jarring collapse.

Miller and Brevis Spark the Recovery

Choosing to bat first, South Africa found themselves in early peril as Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass in opening bowling. He castled Quinton de Kock for 6 and dismissed Ryan Rickelton for 7, leaving the visitors reeling at 41/3 after the powerplay.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically through a brutal 97-run partnership between veteran David Miller (63 off 35) and the explosive Dewald Brevis (45 off 29). Miller, particularly severe on India’s spinners, brought up a 26-ball half-century with a towering six off a free hit. 

A late flourish from Tristan Stubbs, who hammered an unbeaten 44 off 24, including 20 runs off Hardik Pandya’s final over, propelled South Africa to a formidable 187/7.

Bumrah’s Record-Breaking Night

Amidst the carnage, Bumrah stood tall. By dismissing Corbin Bosch with a sharp return catch, he claimed his 33rd T20 World Cup wicket, surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin to become India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament's history. He finished with stellar figures of 3/15.

India’s Chase Crumbles Under Pressure

India’s response was disastrous from the outset. Ishan Kishan fell for a duck in the opening over, followed quickly by Tilak Varma (1) and Abhishek Sharma (15). When skipper Suryakumar Yadav mistimed a sweep off Corbin Bosch to fall for 18, the writing was on the wall at 51/5.

The turning blow came from left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who triggered a sensational collapse by removing Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh in the same over. 

Only Shivam Dube managed to score 42, but still India failed to come even closer to the target. Macro Jansen was impressive with 4/22, while Kashev Maharaj supported him well with 3/24. 

India is eventually bundled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, falling 76 runs short of the target. This (76-run defeat) is India’s 2nd biggest loss in T20Is.