In a closely contested SA vs WI encounter between the only two unbeaten teams in the T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa put up a complete performance to win the match against West Indies by nine wickets. Chasing a total of 177 with an unbeaten 82 from Aiden Markram, the Proteas achieved the target with 23 balls to spare, thus proving themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the T20 World Cup.
SA vs WI: Rabada and Ngidi Set the Tone with the Ball
After winning the toss on a tacky Ahmedabad surface, Markram chose to bowl first, which proved to be a fruitful decision for him.
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Early Collapse Rocks West Indies
South Africa’s two fast bowlers, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, made the most of the extra bounce and hard length of the Ahmedabad pitch, taking the following wickets:
Ngidi: 3/30
Rabada: 2/22
West Indies were reduced to 83/7 in 11 overs, struggling against the pace and discipline of the South African bowlers. Rabada got the wicket of West Indies’ captain Shai Hope with sharp lift, while Ngidi got the wickets of important West Indies batsmen Brandon King and Roston Chase. Despite dropping four catches, the bowling pressure from the South African team ensured that West Indies did not get a chance to settle.
Records Set with Eighth Wicket Partnership as West Indies Fightback
Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd’s Partnership of Two Created a Vintage T20I Finish.
Jason Holder: 49 (out/run)
Romario Shepherd: No out/52 (First T20I 50)
Partnership: 89 Runs (Set a new West Indies T20I 8th Wicket Record)
The two players attacked despite the match being tilted against them at the time. Their efforts resulted in an impressive 23 runs off the 18th over, creating new light for the West Indies and completing the innings with what was a good score of 176/8 in 20 overs.
Although the turn-around was achieved, the South African bowlers managed to get back on track in the death overs, with Corbin Bosch bowling accurate yorkers to prevent further damage.
SA vs WI: Markram and De Kock Dominate the Chase
If West Indies thought that 176 would be a test of the Proteas, they were soon proved wrong.
Explosive Opening Stand
Quinton de Kock and Markram scored an electrifying 95-run opening partnership their highest in the tournament so far. South Africa scored 69 runs in the Powerplay, Markram played a controlled aggressive innings and De Kock accelerated after a cautious start.
De Kock smashed 47 off 24 balls, including four sixes, before holing out. His versatility to change roles at the drop of a hat with Markram proved the maturity of this young pair.
SA vs WI: Rickelton Keeps Momentum Alive
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After de Kock’s dismissal, Ryan Rickelton made sure that the intensity was not lost.
Rickelton: 45* off 28
Markram: 82* (third fifty of the tournament, 22nd T20I 50+ score)
With 109/1 at the halfway mark, it was clear that the match was as good as won. The pair made sure that they did not miss out on anything loose, and the boundary was peppered with clinical accuracy. Markram finished off the innings with a lofted finish, taking home the Player of the Match award. South Africa overhauled the target in 16.1 overs, thus maintaining their 100% record in the tournament.
SA vs WI Match Summary
West Indies: 176/8 (20 overs)
Romario Shepherd 52*
Jason Holder 49
Lungi Ngidi 3/30
Kagiso Rabada 2/22
South Africa: 177/1 (16.1 overs)
Aiden Markram 82*
Quinton de Kock 47
Ryan Rickelton 45*
Result: South Africa won by 9 wickets
SA vs WI: Are South Africa Favorites to Win the T20 World Cup?
The South Africa campaign has comprised:
- A double Super Over victory over Afghanistan
- A resounding win over India
- A clinical demolition of West Indies
With the input of almost every player in the squad and five victories in five matches in Ahmedabad, the Proteas appear well-rounded, confident, and hardened. The bowling is on fire. The top order is merciless. The strength is apparent.
If the SA vs WI match has taught us anything, it’s that South Africa could be ready to break free from their heartbreak tag and take home the top T20 trophy.
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