Two giants. One trophy. Unfinished business. The Proteas and India meet again with World Cup destiny on the line. Picture Credit: Kropme.com
By Aisha Zardad
Ahmedabad – Cricket South Africa’s Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, has called on the nation to continue rallying behind the team as they prepare for a crucial Super Eights encounter against India in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The Proteas head into the business end of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup unbeaten, a run Nkwe believes has been fuelled in part by unwavering public support. He acknowledged the belief shown by fans and stakeholders, thanking those who have stood by the team through both disappointment and progress in recent years.
South African cricket is enjoying one of its healthiest periods. The Proteas Women have reached three consecutive ICC finals — the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups, as well as the 2023 ODI World Cup in India — while the men lifted the ICC World Test Championship mace at Lord’s last year and returned from demanding tours to Pakistan and India with encouraging results. Domestically, the SA20 has reignited passion for the game, filling stadiums and strengthening the sport’s financial foundation.
“The fans and every stakeholder have been critical on this journey in terms of what we’ve achieved over the last couple of years and the things that we’re looking to achieve in the future,” Nkwe said. “I just want to thank everyone who has really been behind the team so far. Through thick and thin, so many people have stuck by the team because they believe that the Proteas can actually do it and that it’s just a matter of time.”
“I’ll continue to ask for that level of support from everybody and keep believing in this group of players that they can actually do it. All of us, let’s get behind this team and push them over the line in winning this World Cup.”
That support will be tested in Ahmedabad, where a familiar rival awaits.
India and South Africa renew their rivalry in a high-voltage Super Eights clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium — a rematch of the previous gripping T20 World Cup final. In June 2024, the Proteas suffered a heartbreaking seven-run defeat. Sunday offers a shot at redemption, but both teams arrive unbeaten, making this one of the most finely balanced contests of the tournament.
With margins expected to be razor-thin, individual brilliance could prove decisive.
Kagiso Rabada has yet to dominate the headlines at this tournament, but big occasions often bring out his best. After a disappointing final over against Afghanistan, he responded with a disciplined spell against New Zealand that highlighted his control and experience. Against India’s explosive batting lineup, he will be eager to reassert himself as South Africa’s premier fast bowler.
India’s Abhishek Sharma, meanwhile, has endured a difficult run with three consecutive ducks. A strong start from the opener in front of a home crowd could dramatically shift the momentum and silence his critics in one stroke.
Few players can alter the course of a T20 contest as quickly as Suryakumar Yadav. His unbeaten 84 against the USA rescued India from 77/6 earlier in the tournament, and although he has not produced another explosive score since, his fluency suggests a major innings may be imminent.
Proteas captain Aiden Markram has led from the front with 178 runs, placing him among the tournament’s leading scorers. His composure and ability to adapt will be crucial against a varied Indian bowling attack.
Then there is Dewald Brevis, one of South Africa’s brightest young talents. While he has shown flashes of brilliance without fully exploding, the 22-year-old has the flair and confidence to seize a defining moment on the big stage.
The clash is scheduled to start at 15:30 SAST on Sunday in Ahmedabad. For the Proteas, it represents more than just another Super Eights fixture. It is a chance to turn past heartbreak into motivation, to edge closer to history — and to reward a nation that continues to believe.
