AHMEDABAD: In a high-octane clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa posted a formidable 213/4 against Canada in their Group D opener of the T20 World Cup 2026. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with a blazing 59 off 32 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six, setting the tone for a massive total.
Canada won the toss and elected to field first on Monday, a decision that initially looked sound as Quinton de Kock fell for 25 off 22 balls after a brisk 70-run opening stand with Markram in just 6.5 overs. But Ryan Rickelton joined the skipper to stitch a crucial 56-run partnership for the second wicket in 28 balls, propelling South Africa to 126/1.
Rickelton departed for 33 off 21 (3 fours, 1 six), but not before Markram anchored the innings. The Proteas slipped to 138/4 soon after, only for Tristan Stubbs and David Miller to unleash havoc. Their unbroken 75-run stand off 37 balls in the death overs included Miller’s explosive 39* (1 four, 3 sixes) off 23 balls and Stubbs’ 34* (2 fours, 2 sixes) off 19.
Ansh Patel was Canada’s standout bowler with 3/31, while skipper Dilpreet Bajwa claimed one scalp. South Africa’s batting firepower has now put Canada under immense pressure in this crucial group stage encounter, as both teams aim to kick off their campaign with a win. The chase promises fireworks under the Ahmedabad lights.