Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium sets the stage for a blockbuster T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 1 battle between South Africa and West Indies. Captain Aiden Markram called correctly at the toss, choosing to field first in what promises to be a semifinal-deciding thriller.
‘Pitch is looking prime,’ Markram noted. ‘Our prior games here give us an edge, boosted by Rabada’s local knowledge from IPL. Sticking with the same XI.’ His strategy hinges on exploiting early conditions with the potent pace attack led by Rabada and Ngidi.
Shai Hope, captaining West Indies, accepted the challenge philosophically. ‘Runs on the board are key for us once more. Might’ve bowled ourselves, but time to deliver our A-game against a flying Proteas side. The team’s primed.’ The lone change sees Roston Chase in for Akeal Hosein – a ‘technical adjustment,’ per Hope, preserving the spinner’s confidence.
Context is king: South Africa’s 76-run rout of India and West Indies’ 107-run demolition of Zimbabwe underline their form. Victory today smooths the semifinal road for the winner.
Proteas XI: Markram (c), de Kock (wk), Rickelton, Brevis, Miller, Stubbs, Jansen, Bosch, Rabada, Maharaj, Ngidi.
Windies XI: King, Hope (wk), Hetmyer, Powell, Rutherford, Chase, Shepherd, Holder, Forde, Motie, Joseph.
With power-hitters and world-class bowlers on display, this clash could produce fireworks. Who will seize the momentum?