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South Africa delivered a statement performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, crushing West Indies by nine wickets in a lopsided Super 8 encounter to become the first team to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals.
Clinical chase: Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock set the platform for South Africa
Chasing 177, South Africa’s opening pair of Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram dismantled the West Indies bowling attack with a breathtaking 95-run partnership inside the first eight overs. De Kock was particularly aggressive, racing to 47 off just 24 deliveries before falling to Roston Chase, caught by Jason Holder at mid-wicket .
Markram, however, continued the onslaught, finding an able partner in Ryan Rickelton, who smashed an unbeaten 45 off 28 balls. The pair added 82 runs in just 49 deliveries, with Markram bringing up his fifty off 30 balls before accelerating further. The Proteas skipper finished with 82 not out off 46 deliveries, his innings studded with six fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 178.26 .
South Africa reached 177/1 in just 16.1 overs, their second-highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history and the fastest by any team against West Indies in the tournament.
West Indies innings: Jason Holder’s heroics propel Caribbean total
Earlier, South Africa captain Makram won the toss and elected to field first and the decision was bang on as the Proteas pace quartet ripped through the top order. Kagiso Rabada struck early, removing Hope for 16 off 12 deliveries, while Lungi Ngidi claimed the prized wickets of Brandon King (21 off 11) and Roston Chase (2 off 2).
At 60/5 in the 10th over, West Indies were staring at a below-par total. However, Jason Holder produced a magnificent counter-attacking knock, scoring 49 off just 31 deliveries with three fours and four sixes. He found support from Romario Shepherd, who smashed an unbeaten 52 off 37 balls, as the pair added 89 runs for the eighth wicket.
Shepherd’s innings was particularly brutal, featuring 3 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 140.54. Their partnership propelled West Indies to a respectable 176/8 from their 20 overs.
Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 3/30 in his four overs, claiming the crucial wickets of King, Powell and Chase. Kagiso Rabada supported with 2/22, while Corbin Bosch claimed 2/31, including the wicket of Sherfane Rutherford.
Player of the Match
Aiden Markram’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. The South African captain also took a sharp catch to remove Hetmyer and led his team with tactical acumen before delivering with the bat.
Also WATCH: Keshav Maharaj plucks a screamer to remove Shimron Hetmyer during T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter
Here’s how fans reacted:
Aiden Markram is a dream to watch – pure elegance, pure class. A true delight to eyes for every cricket fan. ❤️
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) February 26, 2026
Marvelous Markram! 🔥
What an innings from Aiden Markram 👏🏽
The South Africa national cricket team look sharp in this ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Is this their year? 🇿🇦🔥#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/rpAWvKHFfz
— Audrin Van Schoor (@audas_vanschoor) February 26, 2026
Take a bow, Aiden Markram. Solid knock! 🔥 #T20WorldCup2026
— Khwezi 👨🏾💻 (@Khwezi_bass) February 26, 2026
Petition to rename Narendra Modi Stadium as Aiden Markram Stadium.. 🙌🙌👏👏#SAvsWI #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter @AidzMarkram
— Dr. Shubham Misra शुभम मिश्रा🧠⚛️🇮🇳🇺🇸 (@Shubham_Neuro) February 26, 2026
Aiden Markram means business 🙏🔥.
Congratulations Proteas!
— Onkabetse M (@alfredbailar) February 26, 2026
AIDEN MARKRAM’S SOUTH AFRICA deserves to win this t20 world.
The way they are playing – totally DOMINATING !! #T20WorldCup— Kaku (@Kakufied) February 26, 2026
Aiden Markram responding to all his doubters, he has been amazing 😭🔥
— Sabelo (@Mahoota11) February 26, 2026
AIDEN KYLE MARKRAM 🔥🔥🔥#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/sRnxXY5rsX
— Lawrence Bailey 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) February 26, 2026
You are made for greatness if the King appreciates you.
Well played and thank you Aiden Markram 👏 pic.twitter.com/SlnhoDkEfT— RCB TWEETS (@fcRCBtweets) February 26, 2026
AIDEN MARKRAM IN THIS T20 WORLD CUP 2026:
– 59(32).
– 5(8).
– 86*(44).
– 28(11).
– 4(7).
– 82*(46).Captain Markram, A Leader leads by example! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Xgm2aV5Hic
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) February 26, 2026
Well played, Aiden Markram 👏🔥 A classy 82 that set the tone beautifully!#AidenMarkram #Cricket #T20WorldCup #WIvsSA
— Bheemendra Pratap (@BheemendraP) February 26, 2026
What a performance from the South Africa national cricket team! 🔥🇿🇦
Captain courageous Aiden Markram leading from the front 👏🏽
Proteas still unbeaten in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup!#T20WorldCup #unbreakable pic.twitter.com/Ube3HoXOun
— Audrin Van Schoor (@audas_vanschoor) February 26, 2026
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