T20 World Cup 2026: Markram’s Explosive Fifty Powers South Africa to a Dominant Win Over Canada

Ahmedabad | 

South Africa kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a statement victory, defeating Canada by 57 runs at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday. A clinical batting display followed by a fiery bowling spell ensured the Proteas started their quest for the trophy on a high note.

Markram and De Kock Provide a Flying Start

After being put into bat, South Africa posted a daunting total of 213/4 in their 20 over quota. The opening duo of Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram dismantled the Canadian attack early on, stitching together a 70-run partnership in just 6.5 overs.

While De Kock departed for a brisk 25 off 22 balls, Aiden Markram continued his rich vein of form. The skipper played a masterful knock of 59 runs, laced with 10 boundaries and a towering six. He found a reliable partner in Ryan Rickelton, who contributed a vital 33 off 21 deliveries.

The Finisher’s Act: Miller and Stubbs Show

At 138/4, Canada briefly hoped to contain the Proteas, but David Miller and Tristan Stubbs had other plans. The duo unleashed a late-inning carnage, adding an unbeaten 75 runs off just 37 balls. Miller remained not out on 39, while Stubbs provided the fireworks with an unbeaten 34, propelling the score past the 200-run mark. For Canada, Ansh Patel was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for his efforts.

Canada’s Resistance Falls Short

Chasing a mammoth 214, Canada’s chase stuttered before it could even begin. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa fell for a golden duck on the very first ball of the innings. The Canadian top order crumbled under pressure, sliding to 45/4 within the powerplay.

Navneet Dhaliwal emerged as the lone warrior for Canada, playing a gritty innings of 64 runs off 49 balls (7 boundaries, 1 six). He shared a 69-run stand with Harsh Thaker (33), briefly threatening to make a game of it. However, the asking rate proved too steep as Canada finished at 156/8.

Ngidi Leads the Bowling Masterclass

The South African bowlers remained relentless. Lungi Ngidi was the star with the ball, returning impressive figures of 4 wickets. He was well-supported by Marco Jansen, who scalped 2 wickets, while pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch chipped in with one wicket apiece.

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