Washington Sundar and David Miller's heated argument (Source:X)
An on-field moment stole the spotlight during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on February 22. Star batter David Miller and Washington Sundar were involved in a heated exchange that forced the umpires to step in.
While South Africa went on to win the match convincingly by 76 runs, the tense moment between the two usually composed players became one of the major talking points of the clash.
Tempers flare between Washington Sundar and David Miller
It is important to mention that the incident occurred in the 14th over of South Africa's innings. At the time, Tristan Stubbs was on strike, while David Miller was at the non-striker's end. Washington Sundar appeared unhappy with Miller’s positioning at the crease.
According to visuals, David Miller was backing up quite close to the stumps, possibly to avoid running on the wet outfield grass and instead stay on the pitch's edge.
Sundar paused during his delivery stride and pointed toward his position, seemingly indicating that the batter was leaving his crease early. India’s all-rounder even raised his concern with on-field umpire - Chris Gaffaney.
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At the end of the over, David Miller approached Washington Sundar, visibly frustrated. The two exchanged some intense words in the middle of the pitch. The argument escalated before the on-field umpire intervened and asked both players to step away.
During the drinks break, South Africa captain Aiden Markram also joined the discussion to calm the situation. Though the exact words exchanged remain unclear, the confrontation did not continue further in the match.
Watch the video below:
Questions over Washington Sundar's selection
It is vital to note that Washington Sundar's inclusion in the playing XI ahead of Axar Patel raised several question. The team management reportedly preferred his off-spin against South Africa's left-handers. However, with Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton dismissed early, the strategy did not play out as planned.
Sundar bowled just two overs, conceding 17 runs without taking a wicket. His limited impact with both bat and ball has sparked debate about the selection decision.
David Miller's counter-attack turns the game
Talking about the match, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first, but things did not go as planned. India’s bowlers reduced the Proteas to 20/3, putting them under early pressure. However, David Miller led a strong counter-attack during the middle overs.
The left-hander played a composed yet aggressive knock, scoring 63 runs off just 35 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. He stitched together crucial partnerships with Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs, helping South Africa post a competitive total of 187/7 in 20 overs.
However, Miller was eventually dismissed in the 16th over by Varun Chakravarthy, but by then, he had done enough damage.
India collapse under pressure
Chasing 188, India was never in the match. South Africa's bowlers struck early and maintained pressure throughout the innings. Marco Jansen led the attack with outstanding figures of 4/22, while Keshav Maharaj supported him with 3/24.
Shivam Dube top-scored for India with 42 runs, but lacked support from the middle order. Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya managed just 18 runs each. Washington Sundar, who was promoted to No.5, contributed 11 runs before falling to Corbin Bosch.
India was eventually bowled out for 111, handing South Africa a commanding 76-run victory.
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