South Africa dominated Canada in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Ahmedabad, securing a convincing 57-run victory. After being put into bat, the Proteas posted a formidable 213/4 in their 20 overs, with captain Aiden Markram leading from the front with a brilliant 59 off 32 balls.
In response, Canada were restricted to 156/8, despite a fighting 64 from Navneet Dhaliwal. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers with exceptional figures of 4-31.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | South Africa vs Canada, Match 9 |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Date | February 9, 2026 |
| Toss | Canada won and elected to field |
| Result | South Africa won by 57 runs |
| Player of the Match | Aiden Markram (59 off 32) |
First Innings: South Africa – 213/4 (20 Overs)
South Africa Batting Highlights – Markram’s Masterclass Powers Proteas
South Africa exploded to 66/0 in the powerplay, with Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock setting a strong foundation. Markram’s sublime touch was evident from the start, showcasing exceptional timing. The captain dominated with 10 boundaries and a six, reaching his fifty off just 28 balls in the 10th over.
Canada fought back through leg-spinner Ansh Patel’s brilliant 3-31, dismissing de Kock (25), Ryan Rickelton (33), and Dewald Brevis (6) to reduce South Africa to 142/4. However, David Miller (39* off 23) and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 19) launched a devastating counter-attack, adding an unbeaten 75-run partnership. Their assault, featuring 6 sixes in the final five overs, propelled South Africa past 210.
First Innings – Top Performers
| Category | Player | Figures | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Aiden Markram | 59 (32) | 10 fours, 1 six, SR: 184.38 |
| 2nd Best Batsman | David Miller | 39* (23) | 3 sixes, SR: 169.57 |
| 3rd Best Batsman | Tristan Stubbs | 34* (19) | 1 four, 3 sixes, SR: 178.95 |
| Best Bowler | Ansh Patel | 3/31 (4 overs) | Economy: 7.75 |
Second Innings: Canada – 156/8 (20 overs)
Canada Batting Highlights – Dhaliwal’s Lone Fight Not Enough
Lungi Ngidi struck immediately, dismissing Dilpreet Bajwa for a golden duck with a beautiful outswinger. He struck twice more in the third over, removing Yuvraj Samra (12) and Nicholas Kirton (4), leaving Canada reeling at 26/3.
Navneet Dhaliwal provided the only resistance with a fighting 64 off 49 balls, supported by Harsh Thaker’s 33 off 29. Their 69-run partnership offered brief hope before Marco Jansen broke through with two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Ngidi completed his four-wicket haul as Canada fell 57 runs short at 156/8.
Second Innings – Top Performers
| Category | Player | Figures | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Navneet Dhaliwal | 64 (49) | 7 fours, 1 six, SR: 130.61 |
| 2nd Best Batsman | Harsh Thaker | 33 (29) | 2 fours, 2 sixes, SR: 113.79 |
| Best Bowler | Lungi Ngidi | 4/31 (4 overs) | Economy: 7.75 |
| 2nd Best Bowler | Marco Jansen | 2/30 (4 overs) | Economy: 7.50 |
