T20 World Cup: Markram powers South Africa to win over West Indies
South Africa captain Aiden Markram smashed a magnificent unbeaten 82 to guide his side to a commanding nine-wicket victory over West Indies and maintain their perfect start to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The skipper struck seven fours and four sixes in Ahmedabad as the Proteas chased down a target of 177 with 23 balls to spare.
This comprehensive result moves the 2024 finalists two points clear at the top of Group 1 in the Super 8s phase.
Victory has firmly placed South Africa with one foot in the semi-finals following their fifth consecutive win of the tournament.
Dominant batting display
Markram brought up his half-century off just 27 deliveries in a masterclass of controlled aggression.
The 31-year-old shared a blistering 95-run opening stand with Quinton de Kock before the wicketkeeper was removed by Roston Chase.
De Kock’s dismissal for a rapid 47 in the eighth over did little to stem the flow of runs for the unbeaten side.
Ryan Rickelton joined the fray at number three, chipping in with a quickfire 45 not out off 28 balls to keep the pressure on the bowlers.
The chase was eventually sealed when Markram struck his 11th boundary to cap a flawless performance.
Windies recovery in vain
West Indies had earlier threatened to post a massive total after taking 17 runs off Keshav Maharaj’s opening over.
However, the two-time champions suffered a dramatic collapse as they lost four wickets in the space of 11 balls.
Pacemen Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi claimed two wickets apiece as the Caribbean outfit slumped from 29-0 to 43-4 inside the powerplay.
The situation deteriorated further as they were reduced to 83-7, seemingly out of the contest before the halfway mark.
Late fireworks offer hope
A spirited rescue act was mounted by Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder, who combined effectively for the eighth wicket.
The pair added 89 runs off 57 deliveries to drag their side beyond the 170-run mark.
Shepherd accelerated from 21 to finish unbeaten on 52, while Holder contributed 49 before a run-out on the penultimate ball of the innings.
Despite the duo adding 58 runs in the final five overs, their recovery was ultimately overshadowed by South Africa’s clinical chase.