SOUTH AFRICA DOMINATE CANADA IN T20 WORLD CUP OPENER

South Africa kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic style, cruising to a 57-run victory over Canada in their Group D clash at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.

It was a strong performance from the Proteas, with big contributions both with the bat and the ball as they laid down a marker in this global competition.

Put in to bat first, South Africa’s batters made the most of their opportunity, piling up a competitive 213 for 4 in 20 overs. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front, smashing a quickfire 59 off 32 balls that included several classy boundaries, while David Miller (39)* kept the momentum going with an unbeaten cameo late in the innings.

Support from Ryan Rickelton (33) and Tristan Stubbs (34) helped the Proteas post a total Cthat anada would struggle to chase.

Canada fought hard in their reply, with Navneet Dhaliwal top-scoring with 64 off 49 balls and showing plenty of fight against quality bowling. Their lower order did manage a decent partnership but the required run rate kept climbing as South Africa’s bowlers kept the pressure on.

The defining difference came from Lungi Ngidi, who was named Player of the Match after an excellent bowling spell of 4 for 31 in four overs.

Image credit: Daily Maverick