Markram’s Masterclass Powers South Africa to Dominant Nine-Wicket Win Over West Indies

Ahmedabad, Feb 2026: Skipper Aiden Markram produced a batting exhibition of the highest order, remaining unbeaten on 82 as South Africa chased down a challenging target of 177 with astonishing ease to defeat West Indies by nine wickets in their second Super 8s match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

South Africa completed the chase in just 16.1 overs, losing only one wicket, underlining their authority in the tournament. With this emphatic victory, the Proteas remain unbeaten and have moved significantly closer to sealing a place in the semifinals. For West Indies, the loss leaves little margin for error, with a do-or-die clash against India now looming large.

Chasing a stiff total against a quality West Indies bowling attack, South Africa began with intent and confidence. Openers Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock wasted no time in asserting dominance, collecting 11 runs from the very first over to set the tone. The pair quickly settled into a fluent rhythm, punishing anything loose and rotating the strike smartly to keep the pressure firmly on the bowlers.

The powerplay proved decisive. South Africa raced to 69 without loss in the first six overs, with both batters in sublime touch. De Kock, in particular, was severe on anything short or wide, while Markram displayed exquisite timing and placement. The West Indies bowlers struggled to find consistency, and the fielding side found itself constantly on the back foot.

The breakthrough finally came in the eighth over when Roston Chase deceived De Kock with a slower delivery. The left-hander departed after a scintillating 47 off just 24 balls, an innings that included four boundaries and four towering sixes. However, De Kock’s dismissal did little to slow South Africa’s charge.

Markram continued to dictate terms with remarkable composure. The skipper brought up his half-century in just 27 balls, blending power with precision. He found the gaps at will and cleared the ropes with ease, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the most elegant batters in the modern game. At the other end, Ryan Rickelton provided able support, playing a calm yet effective knock.

Rickelton remained unbeaten on 45, ensuring there were no further hiccups as South Africa cruised to victory with plenty of deliveries to spare. Markram finished on 82 not out, striking seven fours and four sixes, capping off a captain’s knock that completely outclassed the opposition.

Earlier in the day, West Indies had staged an impressive recovery after a disastrous start to post a competitive 176/8 in their 20 overs. Asked to bat first after losing the toss, West Indies began brightly, with skipper Shai Hope taking on Keshav Maharaj for 16 runs in the opening over. Brandon King followed it up by smashing three consecutive boundaries off Marco Jansen, giving West Indies early momentum.

That momentum, however, was abruptly halted in the third over. Kagiso Rabada struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Hope for 16 and removing the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer for just two. Lungi Ngidi then tightened the screws further in the next over, picking up two wickets as West Indies slumped to 52/4 by the end of the powerplay.

The slide continued after the fielding restrictions were lifted. Corbin Bosch accounted for Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde, while Ngidi returned to remove captain Rovman Powell, leaving West Indies reeling at 82/6 midway through the innings.

Just when it appeared that West Indies might fold well short of a competitive total, former captain Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd mounted a stirring counterattack. The duo stitched together a crucial 89-run partnership that revived the innings and shifted momentum back in West Indies’ favour.

Shepherd was particularly impressive, reaching his half-century in 37 balls and remaining unbeaten on 52. Holder played the perfect foil, hammering four boundaries and three sixes in a brisk 49 off 31 balls, narrowly missing out on a deserved half-century. Their late flourish ensured West Indies crossed the 170-run mark, giving their bowlers something to defend.

Despite that recovery, South Africa’s response with the bat proved too strong. Their commanding chase not only secured a comprehensive win but also sent a clear message to other contenders as the Super 8s stage intensifies.

Brief Scores:
West Indies 176/8 in 20 overs (Romario Shepherd 52*, Jason Holder 49; Lungi Ngidi 3-30, Kagiso Rabada 2-22, Corbin Bosch 2-31) lost to South Africa 177/1 in 16.1 overs (Aiden Markram 82*, Quinton de Kock 47, Ryan Rickelton 45*) by nine wickets.