South Africa moved a step closer to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a nine-wicket win over West Indies in Ahmedabad. Aiden Markram scored an unbeaten 82 off 46 balls as the Proteas chased down 177 in just 16.1 overs. The victory kept them unbeaten in the tournament and placed them at the top of Group 1.
Strong start sets up easy chase
Chasing 177, South Africa came out with clear intent. Markram and Quinton de Kock added 95 runs for the first wicket in only eight overs. It was their third fifty-plus stand of the tournament and gave the team full control early in the innings.
Markram attacked from the first over and hit seven fours and four sixes. He reached his half-century with ease and never allowed West Indies to settle. De Kock supported him well with 47 off 24 balls, including four sixes. After de Kock fell, Ryan Rickelton stayed calm and finished unbeaten on 45 off 28 balls as South Africa sealed the win with 23 balls to spare.
Holder and Shepherd rescue West Indies
Earlier, the West Indies had a poor start after being put in to bat. They were reduced to 83 for 7 in the 11th over. Kagiso Rabada removed Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer in quick time, while Lungi Ngidi picked up key wickets as the score fell from 29 for 1 to 43 for 4.
Just when the innings looked finished, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd fought back. They added 89 runs for the eighth wicket, which is a record stand for that wicket in T20 Internationals. Holder made 49 with four fours and three sixes. Shepherd scored his first T20I fifty and remained unbeaten on 52 off 37 balls. West Indies finished on 176 for 8, with 126 runs coming from boundaries.
Proteas show all round strength
South Africa were not at their best in the field and dropped a few catches. However, their bowlers did the damage early. Rabada finished with 2 for 22, Ngidi took 3 for 30, and Corbin Bosch picked up 2 for 31.
With six wins in the tournament, South Africa have shown it can handle pressure and win in different situations. Another strong performance will confirm their place in the semi-finals as they continue their unbeaten run.
