Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma in frame [Source: X]It was a night of disaster for India against South Africa in their inaugural Super 8 clash in the T20 World Cup 2026. The match saw India suffer a heavy 76-run defeat, as South Africa built their innings around David Miller, while stars like Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Abhishek Sharma failed early and surrendered under pressure. Amidst all this chaos, what caught the eye was Mahieka Sharma, Hardik Pandya's girlfriend, clapping live on camera after the star all-rounder’s dismissal by Keshav Maharaj in the 15th over. India Gets humiliated By South Africa In Ahmedabad India’s approach seemed overconfident. After South Africa were sent in to bat first and crumbled early, India had a slight hope that the opposition would not survive long with the bat. However, Dewald Brevis’ 29-ball 45 and David Miller’s crucial 63-run knock at a strike rate of 180 turned the tide. Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten at the crease, also scored a 24-ball 44 to lift the team from 20 for 3 to 187 for 7 at the end of 20 overs. In response, India endured a collapse. Ishan Kishan, the usually explosive opener, was dismissed for a duck. Abhishek Sharma managed just 15. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, along with Washington Sundar, who came in place of Axar Patel, also disappointed. Shivam Dube, who scored 42, found brief support in Hardik Pandya, as the duo stitched together a 35-run stand for the sixth wicket. However, it was not enough to build resistance so deep in the batting order. After continuous wickets fell, India were bundled out for 111 runs. Pandya’s dismissal drew additional attention as Mahieka Sharma was seen applauding. Also Read: [Watch] Smiling Hardik Pandya Receives Angry Gautam Gambhir’s Wrath Amid Serious ChatMahieka Sharma Claps After Hardik Pandya’s Dismissal In what could be described as a brain-fade moment, Mahieka Sharma was caught live on television clapping right after Pandya’s dismissal. On the first ball of the 15th over, bowled by Keshav Maharaj, Pandya attempted a shot at a good-length delivery outside off stump. Tristan Stubbs, stationed at long-off, completed the catch with a slight hop to end Pandya’s innings. As Pandya looked toward the stands while walking back to the pavilion, Mahieka Sharma was seen clapping which seemed as a betrayal of sorts on LIVE TV.CricketSanctum @SanctumCricket Hardik got out and Mahieka was literally clapping at his wicket 😭👏 Feb 23, 2026, 1:38 AM Though her facial expression appeared neutral, with a faint smile and visible disappointment, the applause left viewers confused about what she was reacting to.Mahieka’s Cricketing Ventures With Hardik Pandya Mahieka Sharma has been a regular presence around Pandya in every national campaign since October 2025. After his divorce from ex-wife Natasa Stankovic in July 2024, Hardik officially confirmed his relationship with Mahieka last year. Notably, the two celebrated Mahieka's 25th birthday on February 19, where Hardik organised a grand party for the model, actor, and Instagram influencer. Mahieka has also been seen spending time with Hardik Pandya's son, Agastya, and bonding with his mother, Nalini Pandya. She has also been spotted interacting with members of the Indian cricket team during their travels for matches. Now, India’s disastrous performance against South Africa puts added pressure on their remaining Super 8 fixtures. They will face Zimbabwe and the West Indies next, and if the Men in Blue hope to secure a semi-final spot, they must win both matches convincingly to improve their net run rate.Also Read: KSCA Ground, Hubli, Pitch Report, Weather Report for Jammu Kashmir vs Karnataka- Final, Ranji Trophy
