Markram, Ngidi power South Africa past Canada:Proteas begin T20 World Cup campaign with emphatic 57-run win

Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi starred as South Africa defeated Canada by 57 runs in Ahmedabad in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Monday, 9 February. Batting first, South Africa set a 214-run target and Canada were restricted to 156/8. For Canada, Navneet Dhaliwal scored 64 runs off 49 balls with seven fours and one six. South Africa’s best bowler was Lungi Ngidi who took four wickets for 31 runs. He was named Player of the Match. South Africa post highest total of T20 World Cup 2026 so far Asked to bat first, South Africa dished out a dominant show. Captain Markram hit 59 runs off 32 balls and led the charge while Ryan Rickelton (33), David Miller (39*) and Tristan Stubbs (34*) made significant contributions. For Canada, Ansh Patel was the highest wicket-taker with three wickets for 31 runs in four overs. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa also picked up one wicket. Canada also had a brilliant moment in the first innings when Dilon Heyliger pulled off a sensational boundary catch to dismiss Markram. Proteas dominant with the ball Defending 217, South Africa did not let Canada any sort of momentum. Captain Dilpreet was out in the first ball of the innings and they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Apart from Ngidi, Marco Jansen (2/20), Kagiso Rabada (1/40) and Corbin Bosch (1/27) were also amongst the wickets. The 2024 finalists will next play Afghanistan on 11 February. Canada, on the other hand, will be in action against the UAE on 13 February.