Aiden Markram’s ferocious half-century headlined South Africa’s dominant 57-run victory against Canada in their T20 World Cup 2026 curtain-raiser at Ahmedabad. The Proteas’ explosive batting and sharp bowling overwhelmed a spirited but outmatched opponent.
After being inserted, South Africa openers de Kock (25 off 22) and Markram laid a solid 70-run foundation in 6.5 overs. Rickelton’s 33 off 21 bolstered Markram’s 59 (10×4, 1×6), building a 56-run stand.
At 138/4, the lower order ignited: Stubbs (34*) and Miller (39*) smashed 75 off 37 balls to post 213/4. Ans Patel’s 3 wickets were a lone bright spot for Canada.
Chasing, Canada lost Bajwa (0) off the first ball and slumped to 45/4. Dhaliwal’s battling 64, with Thakor’s 33 in a 69-run effort, couldn’t bridge the gap. Stranded at 156/8, they succumbed.
Ngidi’s 4-wicket masterclass, Jansen’s 2, and singles from Rabada and Bosch ensured victory. Markram’s team statement performance positions South Africa as early frontrunners.