The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has thrown up several surprising numbers, but one statistic has caught everyone’s attention. Among the 20 teams that took part in the tournament, South Africa stand alone for a unique and impressive reason — they are the only team whose batsmen have not been dismissed for a duck even once in the entire competition.

While every other team has seen at least one batter depart without opening their account, South Africa’s batting unit has shown remarkable consistency. Not a single Proteas batter has been out on zero, underlining both their form and temperament in pressure situations.

In sharp contrast, India national cricket team have found themselves on the wrong side of this statistic. India, along with Italy, has conceded the highest number of ducks in the tournament — eight in total. This unwanted record has raised concerns, especially as the team heads into the crucial stages of the competition.

A major talking point behind India’s struggles has been the form of opener Abhishek Sharma. The young batter has endured a torrid run, registering three consecutive ducks against the United States, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. No other player has been dismissed for zero more times than him in this edition, making his form a serious concern for the team management.

Meanwhile, South Africa national cricket team have looked clinical throughout the tournament. They won all four of their group-stage matches and finished on top, thanks to a dependable batting order featuring Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, and Tristan Stubbs, all of whom have contributed consistently.

As the tournament moves into the Super 8 stage, South Africa are set to face India, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe. With their flawless batting record so far, the Proteas will enter these matches brimming with confidence, while India will be hoping to arrest their worrying trend at the top of the order before it costs them dearly.