3 best IND vs SA matches in Men's T20 World Cup history ft. 2007
The final of the Men's T20 World Cup 2024 will see South Africa and India battle it out for the coveted silverware on Saturday, June 29, 2024. This final, set to be played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, is expected to be an absolute thriller with both teams in exceptional form heading into this marquee contest.
South Africa trumped Afghanistan by nine wickets in the first semi-final of the Men's T20 World Cup 2024. They bundled Afghanistan for a paltry 56 and chased the target down in just 8.5 overs, putting up a clinical display.
On the other hand, India beat defending champions England by 68 runs in the second semi-final, bowling them out for 103 after posting a 171-run total on the board.
South Africa seem to have put their past behind them, having made their way to their maiden Men's T20 World Cup final. As for India, this will be their third appearance in a T20 World Cup final, having won the inaugural edition in 2007.
The two teams have faced off in just one knock-out match of the 20-over World Cup previously, where India beat South Africa in 2014. This will be only the second instance where the Men in Blue and the Proteas will square off in a knock-out clash once again.
With this final anticipated to be a mouth-watering game, here is a look at the three best India vs South Africa matches in the Men's T20 World Cup history.
#3 IND vs SA, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022
Out of the six games between India and South Africa in the Men's T20 World Cup, India holds a slight edge with four wins. However, during their meeting in the 2022 edition, the Proteas handed Rohit Sharma and his men a five-wicket defeat.
Bowling first, South Africa restricted India to just 133 for the loss of nine wickets. Lungi Ngidi starred with four wickets while Wayne Parnell also rattled the Indian batting with three scalps. With a 68-run knock, Suryakumar Yadav was the only stand-out batter for India.
Temba Bavuma and his men were in trouble early on, being reduced to 24/3. However, vital performances from David Miller (59*) and Aiden Markram (52) helped them cross the line in 19.4 overs, finishing at 137/5.
#2 IND vs SA, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2012
Heading into the 24th Group 2 fixture of the Men's T20 World Cup 2012 at Colombo, both India and South Africa needed a win to qualify for the semi-finals. While South Africa needed just a win, India were under pressure, required to beat the Proteas by a margin of 30 runs or more to overtake Pakistan and Australia on net run-rate.
Losing the toss, India could only manage to post a fighting total of 152/6, which was probably not enough to help them beat South Africa by the required margin. Suresh Raina's 34-ball 45, along with Rohit (25) and MS Dhoni (23*) helped India to get past the 150-mark after losing key wickets upfront.
Morne Morkel and Robin Peterson picked up two wickets apiece. South Africa lost half the side for 107 runs on the board. However, Faf Du Plessis kept them in the game with his 38-ball 65. In a dramatic turnaround, they lost their last five wickets for just 24 runs.
With 14 needed off the last over, Lakshmipathy Balaji held his nerves to defend the total as India won by a solitary run in a game that went right down the wire. Zaheer Khan and Balaji grabbed three wickets. It was a heartbreaking defeat for South Africa while India were also knocked out, losing on net run-rate.
#1 SA vs IND, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2007
For the number one game on this list, we take a trip down memory lane to India's historic title-winning run in the inaugural edition of the Men's T20 World Cup in 2007.
Facing hosts and favorites South Africa at Durban, MS Dhoni and his troops were in a must-win situation to make the semi-finals. The Proteas were unbeaten coming into this crucial contest. Batting first, India put up a 153/5 thanks to brilliant knocks from Rohit (50*) and Dhoni (45).
Putting all odds behind and igniting the fire within, the Indian bowlers were up to the task, dominating right from the start of South Africa's innings. RP Singh initiated the attack, sending Herschelle Gibbs back to the hut early on.
Building on the momentum, the Men in Blue kept picking wickets at regular intervals, keeping the hosts under constant pressure. In a memorable display, RP Singh picked four wickets while Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh chipped in with two as well, restricting South Africa to 116/9, winning the game by an impressive 37-run margin and making it to the semi-finals.