In the 20 months since they played out an epic final in the previous T20 World Cup, India and South Africa have locked horns eight times. Suryakumar Yadav’s men have lorded those showdowns 6-2, winning by identical 3-1 margins in South Africa in November 2024 and at home last December. But neither that, nor the fact that India hold a significant 21-13 edge in head-to-heads, will count for anything here.

Sunday will mark the first outing for both all-win sides in the Super Eights. South Africa have played here thrice previously in the last fortnight, but India know this venue extremely well, having had plenty of red and white-ball experience internationally and at the franchise level. There is no element of surprise on any front; the sides are familiar with each other’s brands of play as well as strengths and weaknesses. Sunday, therefore, will be decided by who plays better on the right night rather than any sleight of hand or a dramatic alteration in game plans.