South Africa Decimate Men In Blue. Will It Dash India’s Semifinal Hopes?

Team India fans must be upset. They hoped for a win, but Rohit and Co. fumbled against South Africa in a heavyweight clash in Perth. The Men in Blue lost early wickets while batting first on a bouncy wicket. Barring Suryakumar Yadav, who struck a 40-ball 68, they failed to apply themselves on a day when Proteas bowlers dominated the show. 

A thrilling win for South Africa and it takes them to the top of the table in Group 2 💪#INDvSA | #T20WorldCup | 📝: https://t.co/uficuiMq0H pic.twitter.com/0TLFpUmAd7

— ICC (@ICC) October 30, 2022

Lungi Ngidi bagged four wickets for 29 runs while left-arm pacer Wayne Parnell returned with 3/15 in his four overs. India scored 133/9 in 20 overs. South Africa, in reply, lost early wickets. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh tore through the Proteas in his opening spell. However, Aiden Markram (52) and David Miller (59 not out) reversed gears for Bavuma’s men and handed them the victory. 

Where do India and South Africa stand in Group 2?

India hung on, but the score was not enough, as South Africa reached the target in 19.4 overs, losing five wickets. This win has also helped them secure the number one position in Group 2, with five points. Mark Boucher and his men have two more matches, against Pakistan and the Netherlands. A win could take them through to the last four, courtesy of their superior net run rate. 

For a fiery spell that broke the back of India's batting order, Lungi Ngidi is the @aramco POTM 👏 pic.twitter.com/nfElPCJO3t

— ICC (@ICC) October 30, 2022

India is second in Group 2 with four points. Their next games are against relatively weaker opponents, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. However, the former recently defeated Pakistan by one run in a thriller, so they need to be careful. Both Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have also won two games, but are behind India at the net run rate.

Which teams may qualify for the semifinal?

The possibilities are wide open in Group 2. An upset win can change the semifinal chances of each team. Even South Africa may bow out if they lose the remaining two matches. Five teams in the group are in with a chance, whereas, the Netherlands is down and out. 

Undefeated South Africa go on top of the Group 2 table 🌟#T20WorldCup Standings 👉 https://t.co/cjmWWRz68E pic.twitter.com/A4cpQMRgnP

— ICC (@ICC) October 30, 2022

India and South Africa approached the tournament as favourites. Team India possesses a strong batting unit while the Proteas set their sights on their bowling. Both the teams made a decent beginning in the marquee event. 

In the 2011 World Cup, India suffered only one loss before winning the tournament. It came against a spirited South Africa, on the group stage. Will history repeat and India lift the cup on November 13? In order to make it happen, they need to improve their show.