South Africa Starts T20 World Cup 2026 with Convincing Win Over Canada
In a dominant display at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, South Africa kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a resounding 57-run victory over Canada on Monday. This win propelled the Proteas to the top of Group D, which also features Afghanistan, New Zealand, and the UAE, setting a strong tone for their tournament aspirations.
Markram Leads the Charge with Batting Brilliance
Sent in to bat first after Canada skipper Dilpreet Bajwa won the toss, South Africa faced an early setback with the dismissal of Quinton de Kock for 25. However, Aiden Markram took center stage, crafting a masterful half-century that included a flurry of enthralling shots through the square and down the ground. His aggressive approach helped South Africa race past 100 runs in just 59 deliveries, maintaining a firm scoring rate of approximately 10 runs per over.
Despite a mid-innings slowdown caused by Canada's spinners, particularly left-arm wrist-spinner Ansh Patel, who dismissed Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Dewald Brevis in quick succession, the Proteas regained momentum in the death overs. Veteran David Miller and Tristan Stubbs unleashed a powerful partnership, adding 82 runs off the final 37 deliveries. Their onslaught culminated in a 21-run final over against seamer Jaskaran Singh, featuring three massive sixes that pushed South Africa to a formidable total.
Ngidi's Fiery Spell Decimates Canada's Chase
In response, Canada's hopes were dashed early as pacer Lungi Ngidi delivered a devastating spell. He struck with the very first ball of the innings, trapping Bajwa leg-before-wicket for a golden duck, and followed up by removing Yuvraj Samra and Nicholas Kirton in his second over. With Kagiso Rabada also chipping in to dismiss Siddarth Mova, Canada found themselves reeling at 45 for four within the Powerplay, effectively sealing their fate.
Despite the collapse, Navneet Dhaliwal provided a lone resistance for Canada, showcasing a range of elegant shots through the square to score 64 off 49 balls—his highest T20 World Cup score. He dragged the game into the final over, but his dismissal ended any lingering hopes of a comeback. Ngidi emerged as the standout bowler for South Africa, finishing with impressive figures of four for 31, cementing his role as the pick of the pace attack.
Group D Implications and Upcoming Fixtures
This comprehensive win not only boosts South Africa's confidence but also places them at the summit of Group D, ahead of formidable opponents like Afghanistan and New Zealand. The Proteas are scheduled to play their next two matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand at the same venue in Ahmedabad, before concluding their group-stage campaign in Delhi. With Markram and Ngidi in fine form, South Africa looks poised to make a deep run in the tournament, aiming to build on this strong start and navigate the challenges ahead in a competitive group.
