AIDEN MARKARAM powered South Africa national cricket team to a commanding nine-wicket win over West Indies cricket team at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Markram smashed an unbeaten 82 from just 46 balls. He struck seven fours and four sixes. South Africa chased down 177 with 23 balls to spare in Ahmedabad. The victory keeps them unbeaten in the tournament and moves them two points clear at the top of Group 1 in the Super 8s.
The captain reached his half-century in only 27 balls. He shared a 95-run opening stand with Quinton de Kock, who scored 47 off 24 deliveries. After de Kock fell in the eighth over, Ryan Rickelton added a quick 45 not out from 28 balls at number three.
Markram sealed the win with his 11th boundary. It marked South Africa’s fifth victory of the tournament. The team now stands on the brink of the semi-finals. They will officially qualify if India defeats Zimbabwe in the next group match.
Earlier, South Africa’s bowlers dominated the powerplay. They reduced West Indies to 83-7 after taking four early wickets. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi picked up two wickets each during a collapse that saw West Indies fall from 29-0 to 43-4 in just four overs.
However, West Indies fought back through Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder. The pair added 89 runs for the eighth wicket. Shepherd finished unbeaten on 52 off 37 balls, while Holder scored 49 from 31 before being run out on the final ball.
They added 58 runs in the last five overs, including a 23-run over off Marco Jansen. Their late surge pushed West Indies to a competitive 176.
Still, South Africa’s chase looked comfortable from the start. With confidence high and momentum building, the Proteas now sit firmly in control of their semi-final destiny.
