T20WC 2026 IND vs SA Playing 11: Suryakumar Yadav-led India will square off against Aiden Markram-led South Africa in the 43rd match of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 22 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.

Both India and South Africa have maintained an unbeaten streak in the group stages of the T20 World Cup campaign and will be aiming to continue their success in the tournament.

Last time both sides met in the finals of the previous edition of the tournament, where India emerged as victorious to claim their second T20 World Cup title.

Both Men in Blues and Proteas Men have faced each other 35 times in T20Is, where India holds the advantage with 21 wins, while South Africa has 13 victories and one match ended with no result.

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat. Speaking at the toss, Aiden Markram said, “we are going to bat first. It looks like a really good wicket – a lot drier than the previous one we came across here – so we’re not expecting that early tackiness. We think it’s going to be a good surface throughout, and hopefully we can put a nice big score on the board.”

“The boys are in good touch, which is always a blessing. We’re not taking that for granted, but it’s a good space to be in at the moment. The guys have been putting in a lot of work behind the scenes to maintain that form and confidence. We’ve been fortunate to play a couple of games here before,” added Aiden Markram.

“It’s a different wicket this time – black soil – but generally this is a high-scoring ground and an entertaining venue. As players, that’s what you look forward to being part of, and hopefully tonight is no different,” added Markram.

While speaking on today South Africa cricket team players list, Aiden Markram said, “From the previous game, we’ve made four changes to go back to our usual XI – Keshav (Maharaj) comes back in, Lungi (Ngidi) comes back in, Marco (Jansen) comes back in, and David (Miller) comes back in as well.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav said, “I was actually looking to bat first, but it’s okay. We played here two or three days back and when they were bowling first, there was a little bit in the wicket, so why not take that advantage?

“It’s a big game, a great occasion for everyone to step up and show their character. It’s a full house tonight, hopefully, and we’ve got a good game for them. It’s the business end now, so you’ve got to bring your A-game,” added SKY.

“We do have three league games, but you have to deliver that punch from ball one, and I think tonight is the right time. We’ll look to bring good energy on the field, follow our good habits, and take whatever result comes our way.”

“The pitch looks quite similar to the previous black soil surface we played on, just one strip away, not too much change. We’re happy to bowl first,” he added.

While speaking on today India’s cricket team players list, SKY said, “It’s very harsh on Axar Patel, but we’re going with the same team – just a tactical decision, so no changes from the last game.

Before the match, check out the Narendra Modi Stadium Weather Report for the exact conditions during the clash.

T20WC 2026 IND vs SA Playing 11

India Playing 11: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

South Africa Playing 11: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi