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Shaun Pollock said India didn’t adapt in Ahmedabad as South Africa ended their 12-match unbeaten streak on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, winning by 76 runs.
South Africa ended India’s 12-match unbeaten streak on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (PTI)
Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock analysed India’s Super 8 stage loss to the Proteas, stating that the co-hosts didn’t adapt well to the conditions in Ahmedabad and didn’t recognise the challenge posed by the brand new ball with its seam movement.
South Africa ended India’s 12-match unbeaten streak on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by defeating the defending champions by 76 runs on the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
India initially dominated as Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar opening spell of 2-7. Nonetheless, the Proteas mounted a comeback with a 97-run partnership off 51 balls between David Miller and Dewald Brevis. A late surge from Tristan Stubbs, who scored an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls, pushed South Africa past the 180-mark.
“India didn’t adapt well to the conditions in Ahmedabad. South Africa had played three matches here already, so that they knew what to anticipate. Yes, they struggled at first once they lost the wickets of Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton early, but they didn’t stop adjusting as per the conditions. It was only when Brevis and Miller batted together that things worked for them. Tristan Stubbs put his batting power to good use in the long run to assist South Africa reach 187. India’s chase would have been easy had they played rigorously to start with,” Pollock was quoted as saying on Star Sports after the sport.
Be ‘Smart And Patient’
In reply, India struggled in the primary six overs and were already in trouble at 31/3 after the powerplay. South Africa maintained tight control over India’s explosive and deep batting line-up, eventually bundling them out for 111 in 18.5 overs.
“The primary six overs was the hardest since the ball wasn’t coming onto the bat nicely. As an alternative, they went after the bowlers from the very first over. You may’t try this on this type of a pitch while chasing an enormous total. They lost two early wickets and were under pressure straight away. Sometimes, you’ve to be smart and patient. India didn’t change their approach. They didn’t realise that the brand new ball could be the most important challenge with the seam moving around,” he added.
The defending champions now must win their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to remain in contention for the semi-finals, especially with their net run rate now at -3.8.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ahmadabad (Ahmedabad) [Ahmedabad], India, India
February 23, 2026, 15:44 IST
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