SA vs CAN Match 9 T20I WC Highlights: SA Won by 57 Runs

South Africa dominated Canada in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Ahmedabad, securing a convincing 57-run victory. After being put into bat, the Proteas posted a formidable 213/4 in their 20 overs, with captain Aiden Markram leading from the front with a brilliant 59 off 32 balls.

In response, Canada were restricted to 156/8, despite a fighting 64 from Navneet Dhaliwal. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers with exceptional figures of 4-0-31-4.

SA vs CAN Match T20 World Cup – Match Details

First Innings: South Africa – 213/4 (20 overs)

Explosive Powerplay Start South Africa raced to 66/0 in the powerplay, with Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock providing a solid foundation. Markram looked in sublime touch from the outset, displaying exceptional timing and placement.

Markram’s Captain’s Knock The South African skipper dominated the Canadian bowling attack, smashing 10 boundaries and a six in his 32-ball innings. He brought up his fifty off just 28 deliveries in the 10th over, showcasing aggressive yet controlled batting.

Middle-Order Collapse Contained Canada fought back through leg-spinner Ansh Patel, who claimed a stunning 3-31, dismissing de Kock (25), Ryan Rickelton (33), and Dewald Brevis (6) to reduce South Africa to 142/4 in the 14th over.

Miller-Stubbs Partnership Seals Strong Total David Miller (39* off 23) and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 19) added an unbeaten 75-run stand, plundering 62 runs in the final five overs. Their explosive partnership, featuring 6 sixes, propelled South Africa past the 210-mark.

Second Innings: Canada – 156/8 (20 overs)

Ngidi Strikes Early Lungi Ngidi gave South Africa the perfect start, dismissing Dilpreet Bajwa for a golden duck in the very first over with a beautiful outswinger that kissed the bat on the way to the keeper.

Early Collapse Rocks Canada Ngidi struck twice in the third over, removing Yuvraj Samra (12) and Nicholas Kirton (4), reducing Canada to 26/3. The required rate quickly escalated beyond reach as Canada lost four wickets inside the powerplay.

Dhaliwal’s Resistance Navneet Dhaliwal provided the lone bright spot for Canada, crafting a well-composed 64 off 49 balls with 7 fours and a six. He found support in Harsh Thaker (33 off 29), as the duo added 69 runs for the fifth wicket.

South African Bowling Dominance Despite the Dhaliwal-Thaker partnership, Canada never threatened the target. Marco Jansen broke the stand and claimed two wickets in consecutive deliveries in the 18th over. Ngidi returned to complete his four-wicket haul, finishing with outstanding figures.

Late Collapse Seals Defeat Canada managed just 156/8, falling 57 runs short. The bowling attack, led by Ngidi’s career-best T20 World Cup figures, ensured South Africa started their campaign with a comprehensive victory.