Ishan Kishan began his innings in style during India’s 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, February 4. The left-hander hit two towering sixes off Lungi Ngidi, marking an explosive start in his first outing as an opener since returning to the side.
Ngidi’s fuller-length delivery, angled barely in, was met with a strong stroke over mid-on, sending the ball over the boundary. On the very next ball, Kishan produced a crisp, elegant shot, maintaining his impressive form. He then sent one other fuller-length delivery soaring towards fantastic leg for his second six of the over.
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𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠… 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚 💫
Ishan Kishan is timing it sweetly as #TeamIndia set the tone from the beginning! 💪
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | Warm-Up Match | 👉 #INDvSA | LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/KpRezrTaFe pic.twitter.com/q7hKFtkU1k
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 4, 2026
Ishan Kishan enters this game on the back of a sensational maiden T20I against Latest Zealand, where he smashed 103 off just 43 balls, including 10 sixes. The 27-year-old finished the T20I series with 215 runs across 4 innings, highlighted by a 76 off 32-ball knock. His stellar performances propelled him up the newest ICC T20I batter rankings, jumping 32 spots to thirty second place.
Following the T20I series, Kishan replaced Sanju Samson as India’s opener and first-choice wicketkeeper. He’ll now aim to hold forward his blistering form within the upcoming matches.
Ishan Kishan Smashes 53 Off 20 Balls In Warm-Up
Ishan Kishan blasted a rapid 50 off just 20 balls before retiring out within the T20 World Cup warm-up match, hitting seven sixes and two boundaries in a scintillating innings. At that stage, India were 83/1 after six overs, with Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma on the crease.
This was the primary encounter between the 2 sides since India defeated South Africa 3-1 in a five-match T20I series last December. The Men in Blue had also edged past the Proteas by seven runs to say their second T20 World Cup title in 2024.
Under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, India haven’t lost a T20I series since their last ICC T20 triumph and are chasing a 3rd World Cup crown. They may kick off their 2026 campaign against the USA in Mumbai on Saturday, February 7.
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