Summary of this article
South Africa thrashed West Indies by 9 wickets to enter the semi-finals
Aiden Markram smashed 82 not-out to chase 177 runs at Ahmedabad
England and South Africa are the two teams, who have qualified for the semi-finals so far
South Africa dismantled South Africa by 9 wickets in their pivotal Super Eights fixture of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (February 26).
After being invited to bat first, the West Indies were reeling at 71/6 against a strong Proteas bowling attack. However, Jason Holder and Romario Shephard stitched a world-record 8th wicket stand of 89 runs to take their team to a decent 176/8 in 20 overs.
Romario Shephard also slammed the first T20I fifty of his career to get his team out of a precarious position. He smashed three fours and four sixes during his 37-ball 52-run innings.
In response to the 177-run target, South Africa got off to a blistering start and put on a 95-run opening stand courtesy of Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram. The Proteas skipper went on to blast an unbeaten 46-ball 82 to take his home.
With this win, South Africa have stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and become the 2nd team after England. West Indies will now have to win their final Super Eights match against India, which could be a virtual quarter-final, if India beat Zimbabwe in their second match.
ALSO READ: West Indies Vs South Africa Highlights
West Indies Vs South Africa, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Playing XIs
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
West Indies Vs South Africa, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Squads
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Jason Smith
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Johnson Charles
Who won the toss in West Indies vs South Africa, Super Eights match?
South Africa won the toss and chose to field first against West Indies in their Super Eights fixture of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
What are the changes made in the teams' playing XIs?
South Africa are playing an unchanged side, while the West Indies have brought in Roston Chase for Akeal Hosein.
How will result of this match affect India's semi-final chances?
A Proteas win would boost Suryakumar Yadav and Co's chances of advancement to the last four, while a Windies victory would make their task a bit more difficult, bringing net run rate into the picture.
