The ICC Men's T20 World Cup brings us a massive clash as India takes on South Africa at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, but India enters this contest with an unbeaten streak of five matches. With heavyweights like Hardik Pandya and Aiden Markram in top form, this T20 encounter promises high scoring action and intense fantasy battles for users in Mega Leagues.
Match Details
- Match: India vs South Africa
- Date: 22 Feb 2026
- Time: 19:00 IST (Local Time)
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
Fans can check the country wise official live streaming and TV broadcast details for this match. To know where you can watch live streaming in your country, visit this complete guide: ICC Men’s World Cup 2026 Live Streaming Channels – Country wise Guide
Weather Report
The weather in Ahmedabad is expected to be warm and clear. The temperature will hover around a comfortable range for cricket. However, the dew factor is expected to play a significant role in the second innings, making chasing a potentially easier option. There is negligible rain impact expected.
Pitch Report & Venue Stats
The surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium is an absolute batting paradise. The Avg Runs in the last 5 matches is a staggering 200, indicating a high scoring game. While batters will enjoy the bounce, bowlers are not entirely out of the game. Pacers have dominated here with 40 wickets in recent games compared to Spinner Wickets at 20. Fantasy users should stack their teams with top order batters and death over seamers.
Team Form & Head to-Head
India
- Last 5 Matches: W W W W W
- Form: India is in red hot form, having won all their last 5 matches comfortably. Their batting unit, led by Ishan Kishan, has been destructive.
- H2H Wins: 12
South Africa
- Last 5 Matches: W W W W L
- Form: South Africa has won 4 of their last 5 games but is coming off a mixed run. Their batting has been strong, but bowling consistency is key.
- H2H Wins: 7
Injury Updates & Player Availability
- Harshit Rana is marked as Unavailable for India.
- Donovan Ferreira and Tony de Zorzi are Unavailable for South Africa.
- Hardik Pandya and Aiden Markram are Fully fit and expected to lead the charge.
Probable Playing XI
India
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka
Key Players to Watch
- Ishan Kishan: The wicket keeper batter is in sublime touch, scoring 176 runs in the series with a massive average of 97.5. He is a must have for your fantasy contests.
- Hardik Pandya: A true asset for any fantasy team. He has scored 87 runs and taken 5 wickets, providing points in both departments.
- Varun Chakravarthy: He has been the standout bowler for India, picking up 9 wickets in the series. His mystery spin could be crucial even on this track.
- Aiden Markram: The Proteas skipper is leading from the front with 178 runs in the series. He is a safe captaincy choice.
- Ryan Rickelton: With 145 runs and a high selection percentage, he is a reliable pick for the wicket keeping slot alongside Quinton de Kock.
Fantasy Picks
Small League Safe Picks
- Ishan Kishan
- Hardik Pandya
- Aiden Markram
- Suryakumar Yadav
Mega League Differential Picks
- Corbin Bosch: Selected by fewer users, he has picked up 5 wickets recently and can be a game changer.
- Shivam Dube: With 116 runs and 3 wickets, he offers great value as an all rounder who is often overlooked.
Match Prediction / Outlook
Given the current form and home advantage, India starts as the favorite to win this T20 encounter. The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium favors batting heavily, so the team winning the Toss might look to chase due to the dew factor.
Disclaimer
This analysis is based on statistics and current form. Always check Final Playing XI and Toss updates before locking your fantasy team. Use your skills to create the best combinations.