Aiden Markram’s scintillating 82* (46) powered South Africa to a commanding nine-wicket victory over West Indies in Ahmedabad on Thursday (26), keeping the Proteas firmly in control of Group 1 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
After West Indies staged a remarkable recovery from 83/7 to post 176/8, thanks to a record partnership between Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd, Markram ensured there was no chance of a Caribbean comeback. South Africa raced to 177/1 in 16.1 overs, with Markram hitting four sixes and seven fours, including a stunning straight drive to seal the win.
The South African top order dominated the Ahmedabad surface, with Quinton De Kock contributing 47 off 24 balls and Ryan Rickelton unbeaten on 45* (28). Markram and De Kock’s 95-run opening stand in just eight overs was the third 50+ partnership by an opening duo in this World Cup, the most by any pair so far.
West Indies had started aggressively, with captain Shai Hope hitting two sixes in the opening over. However, pacers Kagiso Rabada (2/22) and Lungi Ngidi (3/30) quickly pegged them back, reducing the Caribbean side to 43/4. Holder (49) and Shepherd (52*) revived the innings, scoring 126 runs in boundaries, but it was never enough.
The nine-wicket win lifts South Africa to two wins from two in Group 1, putting them in prime position for a semi-final spot. The Proteas continue to look formidable as the tournament heads into the business end.
