The high-voltage Super 8 Group 1 clash between India and South Africa at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a breathtaking moment in the powerplay as Corbin Bosch pulled off a sensational catch, nearly colliding with Keshav Maharaj, to dismiss Abhishek Sharma. The dramatic effort came at a crucial juncture, leaving India in early turmoil while chasing a challenging 187-run target set by the Proteas in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, had earlier posted a competitive 187/7 after winning the toss and electing to bat first. With scoreboard pressure mounting, India needed a steady start. Instead, they found themselves rocked by early strikes.

Corbin Bosch takes a stunning catch to get rid of Abhishek Sharma

The turning point in the early overs came on the third ball of the fifth over. Marco Jansen banged in a clever knuckle ball to Abhishek, who failed to pick the variation. Already through with his shot, Abhishek ended up mistiming it badly. The ball ballooned high into the Ahmedabad night sky but did not carry much distance.

From mid-wicket, Bosch sprinted to his right, while from mid-on, Maharaj tracked back sharply. For a moment, confusion loomed large as neither player called decisively. The two almost collided under the swirling ball. It nearly slipped from Bosch’s grasp as it dipped sharply, but the South African all-rounder kept his eyes fixed and clutched it safely to his chest.

The stadium, packed to the rafters, fell into stunned silence. India had been rattled, and so had the crowd. What could have been a costly misjudgment turned into a spectacular breakthrough for the Proteas.

Here’s the video:

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Proteas seize control as India struggle in the chase

Chasing 187 was always going to require composure, but India’s innings never found stability. Ishan Kishan fell in the very first over, putting immediate pressure on the batting line-up. Tilak Varma followed soon after in the next over, compounding India’s troubles.

Abhishek’s dismissal only worsened the slide. The early intent backfired as South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Washington Sundar failed to steady the innings and departed cheaply, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav could not anchor the chase either.

At one stage, India were reeling at 51/5, a position few would have anticipated at the start of the innings. The Proteas bowlers maintained disciplined lines and cleverly mixed their pace, exploiting the conditions superbly. Markram’s side looked charged up in the field. The near-collision between Bosch and Maharaj symbolised their aggressive approach and hunger. While the moment could have resulted in embarrassment, Bosch’s safe hands ensured South Africa tightened their grip on the contest.

With the pressure mounting and the required rate spiralling, India’s collapse only deepened as more wickets tumbled in quick succession. From 51/5, things went from bad to worse, with the scoreboard now reading a worrying 88/8. South Africa have completely tightened the screws, sensing a massive Super 8 victory. India, on the other hand, are staring at a heavy defeat unless something extraordinary unfolds in the closing overs.

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