Fans troll Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend Mahieka Sharma after viral reaction to his dismissal vs South Africa in T20 World Cup Super 8

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was expected to be a fortress for India during the 43rd Match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights on February 22, 2026. Instead, it became the backdrop for a humbling 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa and a social media firestorm involving Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. As India’s middle order crumbled under the pressure of a 188-run chase, a singular moment in the stands captured the internet’s attention for all the wrong reasons.

Mahieka Sharma’s reaction after Hardik Pandya’s dismissal goes viral

The defining image of the night wasn’t a soaring six, but rather Mahieka’s reaction to Hardik Pandya’s dismissal in the 15th over. With India reeling at 86/5, the onus was on Pandya to stage a miraculous recovery. However, facing Keshav Maharaj, Pandya attempted to flat-bat a wider delivery over long-off. The connection lacked power, allowing Tristan Stubbs to perform a sensational juggling act on the boundary rope to complete the catch.

As Pandya trudged back to the pavilion after a lackluster 18 off 17 balls, the cameras panned to Mahieka in the VIP stands. In a move that left commentators and fans baffled, she was seen enthusiastically applauding and smiling as if celebrating a milestone. The disconnect between the dire match situation and her cheerful reaction sparked an immediate wave of trolling. Cricket enthusiasts took to X (formerly Twitter) to suggest that Mahieka’s “clueless” celebration proved she lacked a basic understanding of the game’s stakes.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Actually i think she don't know that his Hardik Pandya is out .

— Akbar Sardar (@akbarsardar156)

She knows ball!!!

— Josh (@HomelanderBale)

I also noticed 😂😂

— CricketLover (@iamsaurabb)

didi 18 runs ke liye taali baja rahi thi par uko kon bataye ki T20 me strike rate dekha jata hai. 😭😭

— Prince. (@merii_mrziii)

Arrange marriage is scary what if she 😭

— Alee (@alee_shah17)

😭

— Varma (@HV_2224)

Bro accidentally picked up the girl who doesn’t have cricket sense from bar

— “ (@peekaboo_pr)

Hardik got out and Mahieka was literally clapping at his wicket 😭👏

— CricketSanctum (@SanctumCricket)

That’s why you guys are single in your life.

— Rohan Gangta (@rohangangta)

Noticed Hardik gets out like this a lot

— Ani (@annakacarrom)

Also READ: 3 reasons behind India’s crushing defeat against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

South Africa thrash India in the crucial Super 8 encounter

While social media was fixated on the stands, the action on the pitch was a one-sided affair. South Africa posted a formidable 187/7, fueled by a blistering 63 off 35 balls from Player of the Match, David Miller. Despite early breakthroughs by Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Arshdeep Singh, the Proteas middle order capitalized on expensive spells from Pandya and Shivam Dube. Tristan Stubbs provided the final flourish with an unbeaten 44, setting a target that proved insurmountable for the Men in Blue.

Marco Jansen dismantled the top order with figures of 4/22, while Maharaj’s three-wicket haul including the controversial dismissal of Pandya, effectively ended the contest. India lost their final five wickets for just 25 runs, crashing to a 76-run defeat. The loss leaves India’s semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, while South Africa moves to the top of Group 1 with a statement victory that combined clinical bowling with Miller’s trademark power-hitting.

Also READ: South Africa crush India as David Miller, bowlers run riot in Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026