India and South Africa, the finalists of the T20 World Cup 2024, clash in a high-profile warm-up match on February 4, 2026, at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. This crucial encounter serves as the final preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7.
India, the defending champions, enter as favorites after winning 11 consecutive T20I series since their 2024 triumph, including a dominant 4-1 victory over New Zealand at home.
South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, will look to fine-tune their combinations with Kagiso Rabada returning from injury as they aim to convert their runner-up finish into a maiden T20 World Cup title.
India vs South Africa T20 World Cup Warm-up: Match Facts
The India vs South Africa T20 World Cup warm-up match serves as a key preparation fixture for both teams ahead of the tournament. The game allows players to fine-tune combinations, test strategies, and gain match rhythm before the main competition begins.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | IND vs SA, T20 World Cup Warm-up Match 10 |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-up Matches |
| Date | February 4, Tuesday |
| Time | 07:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT |
| Venue | Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
India vs South Africa Squad For T20 World Cup Warm-up
The India vs South Africa squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match features a strong mix of experienced stars and emerging talent. Both teams will use this game to assess player form, experiment with combinations, and finalize plans ahead of the tournament.
1. India Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
2. South Africa Squad
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, Kwena Maphaka
Pitch Report of Dr DY Patil Sports Academy
The Dr DY Patil Stadium pitch offers excellent batting conditions with consistent bounce and good pace. Batters can play their shots freely from the start, making it a high-scoring venue.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly surface with consistent bounce and true pace. Fast bowlers can extract movement with the new ball during powerplay, but conditions favor run-scoring throughout. |
| Batting Assistance | The pitch provides freedom to play shots from the outset. The fast outfield rewards timing over power, making stroke-play easier across all phases. |
| Bowling Assistance | Pace bowlers find early movement with the new ball. Spinners become effective during the middle overs when the surface slows down slightly. |
| Average 1st Innings Score | Around 165-175 in T20 matches at this venue. |
| Toss Impact | Teams bowling first have a 70% win rate. Heavy dew at night significantly favors the chasing side, as the ball becomes wet and difficult to grip. |
IND vs SA T20 World Cup Warm-up Weather Report
The IND vs SA T20 World Cup warm-up weather report indicates clear, dry conditions for the match. With minimal chances of rain, both teams can expect an uninterrupted game to fine-tune their preparations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Between 21°C–34°C during the day, around 25°C–28°C during match hours. |
| Weather | Sunny day with clear night conditions expected. |
| Precipitation | 0% chance of rain. Perfect conditions for uninterrupted cricket. |
| Humidity | Around 35%–40% during evening hours. |
| Dew Factor | Significant dew is expected in the second innings, making chasing easier. |
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head in T20Is
India dominates this rivalry, holding an 18 -13 lead in 31 T20I matches against South Africa. The most recent memorable clash was the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados, where India won by 7 runs to claim their second T20 World Cup title.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 31 |
| India Won | 18 |
| South Africa Won | 12 |
| No Result | 1 |
| T20 World Cup Meetings | India leads 5-2 |
| Last Meeting | India won by 7 runs (T20 WC 2024 Final, Barbados, June 29, 2024) |
| Last 5 T20I Results | India won 4, South Africa won 1 |
Players To Watch Out For In IND vs SA T20 World Cup Warm-up
Both teams feature several impact players capable of influencing the game in different phases. India relies on their explosive top order and varied bowling attack, while South Africa’s hopes rest on experienced batters and pace depth. Below are the key players to watch based on recent form and overall T20I records.
| Player | Performance & Stats |
|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan (IND) | Scored his maiden T20I century (103 off 43 balls) vs New Zealand; explosive opener and reliable wicketkeeper. |
| Abhishek Sharma (IND) | 1,297 runs in 38 T20Is at a strike rate of 194.92; recently smashed a 14-ball fifty and is the fastest to 5,000 T20 runs. |
| Jasprit Bumrah (IND) | India’s death-overs specialist; elite accuracy and variations make him crucial in pressure situations. |
| Varun Chakaravarthy (IND) | World No.1 T20I bowler; set to play his first T20 World Cup, key for middle-over control with mystery spin. |
| Quinton de Kock (SA) | Returned from retirement to lead South Africa’s batting; aggressive starts at the top can change games quickly. |
| Kagiso Rabada (SA) | Back after a two-month rib injury layoff, pace spearhead and leader of South Africa’s bowling attack. |
| Dewald Brevis (SA) | In strong form during SA20; replaces Heinrich Klaasen and adds firepower to the middle order. |
| Marco Jansen (SA) | All-rounder with 195 runs and 22 wickets in 24 T20Is; offers bounce with the ball and depth with the bat. |
Toss Impact and Match Strategy
At Dr DY Patil Stadium during night matches, the toss is especially important. Teams winning the toss have historically chosen to bowl first, leveraging the dew factor that makes chasing easier.
The captain winning the toss is expected to field first, as 70% of matches at this venue have been won by teams batting second. The wet ball in the second innings makes it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball, giving the chasing side a clear advantage.
Seven players, including Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, and Kwena Maphaka, are set to make their T20 World Cup debuts. The Proteas will treat this warm-up as crucial preparation against elite opposition before beginning their campaign against Canada on February 9 in Ahmedabad.
How to Watch IND vs SA T20 World Cup Warm-up Live
India: Star Sports Network (TV), Disney+ Hotstar (Streaming)
USA & Canada: Willow TV (Cable & Streaming), Willow by Cricbuzz app, Amazon Prime Video (Willow add-on at $9.99/month)
Sri Lanka: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar
Time: 7:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT / 8:30 AM EST
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Who Will Win the IND vs SA T20 World Cup Warm-up?
Win Probability: India – 65% | South Africa – 35%
India start as clear favorites due to strong form and home advantage, highlighted by an 11-match T20I winning streak under Suryakumar Yadav. Their deep batting and a potent bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, along with Arshdeep Singh and world No.1 T20I bowler Varun Chakaravarthy, give them a major edge at the DY Patil Stadium.
South Africa has match-winners in Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and Kagiso Rabada, but concerns over David Miller’s fitness and several debutants may impact cohesion, making India the favorites regardless of the toss.
