KEY POINTS
- Defending champions suffered their heaviest T20 World Cup defeat, bowled out for just 111 while chasing 188, ending their 13-match unbeaten streak.
- Irfan Pathan cited ‘recurring’ batting issues, while Mohammad Kaif identified two ‘weak links’ in India’s bowling attack after the humbling loss.
- Social media users slammed the broadcaster’s now-deleted “cupcake” ad mocking South Africa, calling the defeat a ‘tight slap’ for the marketing team.
AHMEDABAD, India: It wasn’t just a defeat; it was a reality check. India’s crushing 76-run loss to South Africa in the Super Eight clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, but the loudest echoes were heard in the reactions of heartbroken fans and disappointed former cricketers.
The defending champions were not just beaten; they were dismantled, ending their 13-match unbeaten streak in T20 World Cups in the most humiliating fashion.
Miller Powers Proteas to Commanding Total
The foundation of South Africa’s triumph was laid by a vintage David Miller.
The experienced left-hander smashed a brilliant 63 off just 35 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes.
His 97-run partnership with the young Dewald Brevis (45 off 29) wrestled momentum away from India, before Tristan Stubbs’ blistering unbeaten 44 off 24 balls propelled the Proteas to a daunting 187/7.
The Collapse: 111 All Out
In response, India’s star-studded batting lineup folded like a house of cards.
Chasing 188, the Men in Blue were skittled out for a meagre 111 in 18.5 overs, handing them their heaviest defeat in T20 World Cup history.
The disciplined South African bowlers exploited every weakness, leaving the Indian dressing room shell-shocked and the stands silent.
Wow .. this is a hammering for India .. Brilliant from SA with Bat , Ball and in the field .. #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 22, 2026
‘Wow… This is a Hammering’: Vaughan Leads Praise for SA
As the reality of the scoreboard sank in, social media exploded with reactions.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among the first to laud the Proteas’ complete performance.
“Wow… this is a hammering for India… Brilliant from SA with Bat, Ball and in the field,” Vaughan posted on X.
South African legends basked in the glory of the historic win. Graeme Smith praised the team’s all-round excellence, writing, “Big win, some big batting performances under pressure and bowlers and captain on top of their game.”
Herschelle Gibbs also joined in, celebrating the team’s statement victory.
Indian Greats Point Out Flaws: ‘Recurring Issue’ and ‘Weak Links’
While the South Africans celebrated, former Indian cricketers were left to dissect the wreckage. Irfan Pathan did not mince words, pointing to persistent problems that finally caught up with the team.
“Really disappointing performance from Team India today. The batting struggles were exposed by South African bowlers, but honestly, this has been a recurring issue throughout the World Cup,” Pathan remarked.
Really disappointing performance from Team India today. The batting struggles were exposed by South African bowlers, but honestly, this has been a recurring issue throughout the World Cup.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 22, 2026
Mohammad Kaif went a step further, offering a tactical breakdown of India’s bowling vulnerabilities.
He contrasted the two sides sharply, stating, “South Africa today showed they have a high-class overall bowling attack, no bowler the opposition can go after.
Can’t say the same about India, they have at least two weak links. Two bowlers who batsmen can take liberties.”
South Africa today showed they have a high class overall bowling attack, no bowler the opposition can go after. Can't say the same about India, they have at least two weak links. Two bowlers who batsmen can take liberties.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 22, 2026
Sanjay Manjrekar also expressed his dismay, highlighting the areas where India fell short against a superior opposition on the day.
Fan Fury: The ‘Cupcake’ Promo Backfires Spectacularly
However, the loudest backlash was reserved for the broadcaster whose pre-match promotional ad had mockingly labelled South Africa as “chokers.”
The now-deleted video, which used a “cupcake” metaphor to predict an easy Indian win, became the focal point of fan fury.
“This loss is a tight slap on that Star sports advertisement team,” fumed a user named @harshithkb on X.
“Nobody cares for your cringe ad, that too the kind of disgusting ad made on the South Africa team. Stop shooting for any more ads and stop embarrassing us.”
This loss is a tight slap on that Star sports advertisement team. @StarSportsIndia nobody cares for your cringe ad, that too the kind of disgusting ad made on South Africa team. Stop shooting for any more ads and stop embarrassing us.#INDvsSA
— Harshith (@harshithkb) February 22, 2026
The irony of the situation was lost on no one. Another fan, @mufaddal_vohra, expressed hope that the humiliation would lead to more sensible marketing, tweeting, “I hope we see some sensible Ads and promos from now onwards for India matches.”
ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: South Africa Thrash India by 76 Runs in Super Eight
The most viral reaction, perhaps, was a simple, cutting question from a fan that encapsulated the nation’s mood: “Sunday kaisa raha, Bhai?” — a sarcastic reminder of the overconfidence that preceded the monumental fall.
Bhai, jo bhi ye post dekhe, Irfan Pathan ko tag karke bol do…
“Sunday kaisa raha, Bhai?” 😏#CricketVibes #T20WorldCup #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/Z7W9EQdkLY— Muhammad asif (@asif38689) February 22, 2026
For South Africa, the victory is a powerful statement of intent. For India, the defeat is a harsh lesson in humility, made all the more stinging by the chorus of criticism from the very legends and fans who had believed the hype.
