The Morkel family is in a big dilemma as India take on South Africa in the eighth round of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Both India and South Africa went through the group stage to secure their seats in the next flight.
When India and South Africa face each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 22, Albie Morkel and Morne Morkel’s mother Mariana Morkel will be in a state of confusion as Albie is with South Africa and Morne is with India.
International statistics of Albie Morkel and Morne Morkel
Ahead of South Africa’s Group D clash against UAE at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Albie Morkel, who has played one Test, 58 ODIs and 50 T20Is and is now with the national team as a consultant coach for the 2026 T20 World Cup, said his mother will be more worried than anyone during the upcoming India vs South Africa match.
On the other hand, Morne Morkel, who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20 matches for the Proteas, is working as the bowling coach of Team India.
Mother doesn’t know whom to support: Morkel
Albie was also asked if he would like to exchange some coaching thoughts with his brother Morne ahead of the highly anticipated clash. Albie wasted no time in saying that they don’t talk to each other.
“No, we don’t talk to each other. I think my mother, she is more worried about us. She doesn’t know who to support, India or South Africa,” Albie Morkel said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Morkel expects high level matches in the eighth round
In the press conference, Albi stressed that the real tournament would start from the eighth round. In Group 1 of the stage, South Africa will play against India, West Indies and Zimbabwe. He believes that whatever matches they are going to play will be highly competitive with added pressure.
He said, “I think the World Cup will really start now, even though we had a tough group. Now you will face India, possibly Australia or Zimbabwe and West Indies in our group. So it is really tough. These will all be good games. Yes, there will be more pressure on those games as you move towards the playoffs later on.”
He had confidence in South Africa
Albie further claimed that he has immense confidence in his batsmen and bowlers, who have gained enough experience from exposure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) or international matches. They know how to deal with pressure situations.
“But I think we have a very experienced group of bowlers, and the batting is better, so the guys who have been exposed to it, whether it’s the IPL or other leagues or international cricket, they are a little bit different. But the guys who can handle that pressure – they will be really successful in situations where there is a bit more pressure on the games – so I’m not too worried,” Albie Morkel explained.
Read more: SA vs UAE Match Prediction: Who will win game number 34? ICC T20 World Cup 2026
