Defending champions India will face South Africa in their only warm-up match before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Scheduled for February 4 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, the fixture revisits the 2024 final. The tournament begins on February 7, with Pakistan meeting the Netherlands in the opener.
The T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up fixtures have been announced, with India set to play South Africa in a single preparatory match on February 4, 2026, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will use this high-profile clash to fine-tune strategies before beginning their title defense.
The warm-up match is particularly significant as it mirrors the 2024 World Cup final, where India triumphed over South Africa to break their ICC trophy drought. The tournament itself will run from February 7 to March 8, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Key Highlights:
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India vs South Africa Warm-Up: February 4, DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
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Tournament Opener: Pakistan vs Netherlands on February 7.
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Pakistan Warm-Up: Against Ireland in Colombo on February 4.
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England & Australia: No warm-up matches; both preparing via bilateral series.
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Scotland’s Entry: Replaces Bangladesh, scheduled for two warm-up games against Afghanistan and Namibia.
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India A Fixtures: Matches against USA and Namibia ahead of the main event.
With India’s squad already announced, the warm-up clash promises to be a crucial test of form and readiness before the high-stakes tournament begins.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, NDTV Sports, Sportstar, Hindustan Times.