South Africa ended India’s 12-match unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup, defeating the defending champions by 76 runs in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Led by David Miller’s counterattack, the Proteas bounced back from 20/3 to register a competitive 187/7 in their 20 overs. Their bowlers then executed a disciplined and aggressive plan, bundling India out for 111 in 18.5 overs to seal a commanding win.

It was a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, with both sides unbeaten in the tournament until this clash. Something had to change — and despite India’s bright start, South Africa took control.

Jasprit Bumrah gave India early dominance with a fiery spell of 2/7 in two overs and ended with 3/15, becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cups with 33 wickets.

However, the Proteas responded strongly through a 97-run stand off just 51 balls between Miller and Dewald Brevis. They attacked the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Washington Sundar, collecting 50 runs in five overs.

Shivam Dube provided the breakthrough when Brevis mistimed a shot to Abhishek Sharma at deep mid-wicket. Brevis contributed 45 runs, striking three fours and three sixes to shift momentum.

Miller brought up his half-century with a free-hit six and powered his way to 63 off 35 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and three sixes. Though Chakaravarthy later removed Miller, he proved expensive, conceding runs at 11.75 per over.

A late flourish from Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on 44 from 24 balls, pushed South Africa close to the 190 mark.

In reply, India never gained momentum and stumbled to 31/3 at the end of the powerplay.

Captain Aiden Markram led by example, opening the bowling and dismissing Ishan Kishan in the first over.

Abhishek Sharma managed 15 after breaking a streak of three ducks, but Corbin Bosch held a brilliant running catch despite colliding with Keshav Maharaj.

India’s explosive batting line-up struggled against disciplined bowling. Shivam Dube top-scored with 42, but lacked support from the other end.

South Africa’s pacers delivered under pressure. Lungi Ngidi gave away just 15 runs in four overs, Marco Jansen impressed with 4/22, removing Sharma and Tilak Varma, while Bosch picked up 2/12.

Though Maharaj conceded some runs, he struck three vital blows, dismissing Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh within three balls to crush India’s hopes.