India suffered their first defeat in the T20 World Cup 2022 with a five-wicket loss to South Africa. Lungi Ngidi’s four-wicket haul, along with the fast bowling of Henrich Northje, Wayne Parnell and Kagiso Rabada, helped South Africa restrict India to 133/9. India lost half of their batting line-up in the first 10 overs and did well to get the result, led by Suryakumar Yadav’s 68 off 40 balls.
India then got off to a sensational start in defence, with South Africa losing three wickets in the first four overs. However, Aiden Markram and David Miller took the game away from India. Both players scored half-centuries, with Miller remaining unbeaten and seeing South Africa over the line with two balls to spare.
India had topped Group 2 before the match, leading South Africa by one point and ahead of second-placed Bangladesh thanks to a good net run rate. They finished ahead of Bangladesh, but South Africa edged them by one point to take the top spot. The Proteas now have five points from three matches, two wins and one draw. They have a net run rate of +2.772. India, on the other hand, have four points from three matches with two wins and a loss. They have a net run rate of +0.844. Bangladesh, who are still tied for points, have a net run rate of -1,533 and are third. Currently, the qualification spots are occupied by India and South Africa.
Meanwhile, Pakistan registered their first win of the tournament with a six-wicket win over the Netherlands on Sunday. They had to chase down the target of just 92, restricting the Dutch to 91/9, but it was a simple chase for them. Pakistan conceded too many wickets to chase down the score quickly and finally won the match only in the 14th over. Pakistan were always going to climb only fifth in the table with a win, and now have just two points from three matches with a net run rate of +0.765. Zimbabwe are fourth with three points from three matches and a net run rate of -0.050.