Markram guides SA closer to semifinals with dominant win over WI

Agency :

Unbeaten South Africa (SA) defeated West Indies (WI) by nine runs in their second Super Eights match of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, inching closer to securing a place in the semifinals at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

The Proteas chased down West Indies’ 177-run target but lost just one wicket in 16.1 overs, thanks to an exceptional start by openers Quinton de Kock and skipper Aiden Markram.

The pair began aggressively, finding the boundary consistently and building a 50-run partnership to set the tone for the chase.

De Kock came close to a T20I fifty but was dismissed for 47 off 24 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes, with Roston Chase claiming his first wicket of the match.

Markram continued in top form, reaching his 14th T20I fifty, while partnering with Ryan Rickelton to take South Africa past the 100-run mark.

The duo dominated West Indies’ bowling attack, hitting boundaries at regular intervals and putting on another 50-run stand, taking the team to 155-1 in 14 overs.

The Proteas wrapped up their innings in commanding style, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 82 off 46 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes, while Ryan Rickelton contributed a quick 45 off 28 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes.

Batting first, West Indies scored 176-8 in their allotted 20 overs, despite a shaky start.

Openers Brandon King and skipper Shai Hope began aggressively, putting runs on the board with boundaries flowing freely.