Markram leads the charge as Proteas power past Canada in T20 World Cup opener

SOUTH Africa launched their T20 World Cup campaign with authority on Monday night, producing a performance that balanced control with firepower as they brushed aside Canada by 57 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

A commanding batting display, followed by a ruthless opening burst with the ball, ensured there were no early jitters for the Proteas as the tournament got under way.

Markram sets the tone

Sent in to bat, South Africa’s innings was shaped by captain Aiden Markram, who led from the front with a fluent 59 from just 32 balls. His innings was built around timing and placement rather than brute force, as he pierced the field with a succession of crisp drives and orthodox strokes.

Quinton de Kock played the supporting role early on, anchoring the innings with a measured 25 from 22 balls as the Proteas’ top order ensured stability through the powerplay. With several major nations having been tested by Associate teams in the opening days of the tournament, South Africa appeared intent on removing any hint of early danger.

De Kock was bowled by Canadian captain Dilpreet Bajwa, and Ryan Rickelton’s brisk 33 from 21 deliveries ended when he miscued a pull shot to long on. Markram continued to dictate terms, bringing up his half-century in just 28 balls before eventually falling in the 12th over, caught on the boundary off Ansh Patel.

Patel struck again soon after, removing Dewald Brevis to leave South Africa at 138 for four with just over six overs remaining.

Miller and Stubbs finish strongly

Any opportunity Canada had to rein in the innings disappeared through an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership between David Miller and Tristan Stubbs. The pair added 75 runs without loss, turning a strong position into a commanding one.

Miller remained unbeaten on 39 from 23 balls, striking three sixes, while Stubbs contributed a rapid 34 from 19 deliveries as South Africa surged to 213 for four. The total was the second 200-plus score of the tournament and provided the bowlers with a formidable cushion.

Ngidi strikes early

Canada’s reply unravelled almost immediately. Lungi Ngidi removed captain Bajwa with the first ball of the chase, caught behind by de Kock, and soon added the wicket of opener Yuvraj Samra. When Nicholas Kirton fell to Ngidi and Shreyas Movva was bowled by Kagiso Rabada, Canada were 45 for four inside the powerplay.

Ngidi finished with figures of 4 for 31, consistently finding movement and bounce, while Rabada applied pressure from the other end.

Navneet Dhaliwal and Harsh Thaker offered resistance with a steady partnership that brought some respectability to the chase. Dhaliwal top-scored with 64 from 49 balls, while Thaker added 33, but the required rate continued to climb.

Once Ngidi returned to break the stand, any remaining hopes of a late push faded. Canada closed on 156 for eight, well short of the target.

A solid start

South Africa opted for a four-pronged pace attack supported by Keshav Maharaj, with Corbin Bosch selected ahead of Anrich Nortje and Kwena Maphaka. Tristan Stubbs’ inclusion at No 6 was rewarded handsomely with his late hitting.

The Proteas now turn their attention to Afghanistan, whom they face on Wednesday at the same venue. With a dominant opening win secured, South Africa have given themselves an early platform as their T20 World Cup campaign begins to gather momentum.

SA vs CAN, T20 World Cup 2026, brief scores:

South Africa 213/4 in 20 overs (Aiden Markram 59; Ansh Patel 3/31) beat Canada 156/8 in 20 overs (Navneet Dhaliwal 64; Lungi Ngidi 4/31) by 57 runs.