South Africa kicked off the T20 World Cup 2026 with a bang, demolishing Canada by 57 runs in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Captain Aiden Markram’s stormy 59, laced with 10 boundaries, propelled the Proteas to a massive total, overwhelming the North American side.
Sent in to bat after losing the toss, South Africa lost no time in asserting dominance. Quinton de Kock and Markram’s explosive opening partnership yielded 70 runs in under seven overs. De Kock’s 25 came off 22 balls with two fours, paving the way for Rickelton to join Markram.
The second-wicket alliance of 56 in 28 balls featured Markram’s masterful innings, ended at 59. By the 14th over, South Africa were 138 for 4, but Stubbs and Miller’s unbroken 75-run stand in 37 balls rocketed them to 213/4.
Canada’s response was dismal. Dismissed for 0 first ball, they staggered to 45/4. Dhaliwal’s gritty 64 provided some resistance alongside Thakor’s 33, but the required rate proved insurmountable. All out for 156/8, Canada’s chase fell flat.
Ngidi’s four-wicket haul dismantled the batting lineup, with Jansen grabbing two. Rabada and Bosch sealed the deal. This emphatic win underscores South Africa’s batting depth and bowling prowess as they eye glory in the T20 spectacle.