Ishan Kishan's Explosive Half-Century Powers India to Victory Over South Africa

In a thrilling warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup, Ishan Kishan's explosive half-century led India to a 30-run victory over South Africa. Kishan's 53 off just 20 balls, featuring seven sixes, showcased his batting prowess as India set a formidable target of 241 runs. Despite a strong effort from South Africa, including notable performances from Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs, they fell short, finishing at 210 runs. This match served as a crucial preparation for India as they gear up for their tournament opener against the USA.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 4, 2026, 23:13 IST

Ishan Kishan Shines in Warm-Up Match

Navi Mumbai: Ishan Kishan's remarkable performance, scoring a rapid half-century, secured his position in India's top batting order as the team triumphed over South Africa by 30 runs in their sole warm-up match before the T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

Kishan unleashed a flurry of shots, hitting seven sixes and two fours in a blistering 20-ball 53, contributing to India's impressive total of 241 for five on a flat pitch at DY Patil Stadium.

The defending T20 World Cup champions utilized nine bowlers, including three overs from Abhishek Sharma (2/32), to limit South Africa to 210/7.

However, frontline bowler Harshit Rana (0/16) had to leave the field after just one over due to discomfort, having struggled with his run-up.

In a surprising move, South Africa opened with George Linde (0) alongside Aiden Markram (38 retired out), but this strategy backfired as Linde was dismissed for a duck in the first over bowled by Arshdeep Singh (1/29).

Ryan Rickelton made a quick 44 off 21 balls, while Jason Smith contributed 35 runs from 23 deliveries. Although Dewald Brevis (2) fell early, Tristan Stubbs finished strong with an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls, including four sixes.

Notably, India's pace ace Jasprit Bumrah did not participate in this match.

In the first innings, Kishan showcased his batting prowess with powerful flicks that sailed over the boundary, marking the only half-century of the match.

Having scored 103 in the last T20 against New Zealand, Kishan was in fine form, forming an 80-run partnership with Abhishek (24 off 17 balls, retired out) during the powerplay.

With Sanju Samson struggling for runs, Kishan is anticipated to open the batting alongside Abhishek in the tournament opener against the USA at Wankhede on February 7.

Kishan exited immediately after reaching his fifty, allowing India to make the most of their final practice before facing the USA.

Playing on familiar ground, the wicketkeeper-batter set the tone with an explosive innings, scoring 29 runs in the fifth over against Anrich Nortje, including four sixes and a four.

At one point, he even managed to hit a bouncer from Nortje for a six despite attempting to evade it.

While Kishan was in top form, Abhishek struggled but still managed to hit three fours and a six during his innings.

Tilak Varma, who had recently returned from injury, was dismissed by Marco Jansen after scoring 45 off just 19 balls, including three sixes and three fours.

India's captain Suryakumar Yadav (30 off 16 balls; 2 fours, 2 sixes) also looked to make the most of his time at the crease, although he was dropped on 18.

Vice-captain Axar Patel added some quick runs with a 23-ball 35, while Hardik Pandya provided late fireworks, smashing three sixes and two fours for a quick 30 off 10 balls before being dismissed by Corbin Bosch.

Rinku Singh, who took a hit to the helmet from a Bosch delivery, scored 16.

Brief scores:

India 240/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45; Marco Jansen 1/18) defeated South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45 not out; Abhishek Sharma 2/32) by 30 runs.