South Africa kicked off their T20 World Cup journey with an impressive win against Canada, securing a 57-run victory on February 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The 2024 finalists showcased their strength with an excellent batting display, highlighted by Aiden Markram’s half-century, and a brilliant bowling performance from Lungi Ngidi, who took four wickets to thwart Canada’s attempts to chase the target.
This victory placed the South African team at the top of Group D, boasting a net run rate of +2.850, surpassing New Zealand, who also started their campaign on a positive note against Afghanistan. New Zealand will take on the United Arab Emirates next, aiming to reclaim the lead in the group standings.
### Markram’s Fiery Start
Choosing to bat first, South Africa enjoyed a strong opening partnership. Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock added 65 runs without losing a wicket during the powerplay. Their partnership extended to 70 runs before Canada’s captain, Dilpreet Bajwa, dismissed De Kock, who contributed 25 runs from 22 balls.
Markram continued to be aggressive, reaching his half-century in just 28 balls. Ryan Rickelton also supported well with a brisk 21 runs off 33 deliveries. However, South Africa faced a slight setback, losing three wickets for just 12 runs within 14 balls, sliding to 138 for four at one point.
Ansh Patel, Canada’s left-arm wrist spinner, impressed with his bowling, taking three wickets and ending with figures of 4-0-31-3. Markram eventually fell for 59 runs off 32 balls in the 12th over. Despite some quick wickets, a solid partnership between David Miller (39) and Tristan Stubbs (34) helped the Proteas reach a total of 213 for four.
### Ngidi’s Bowling Prowess
Canada’s chase got off to a rocky start, with Lungi Ngidi removing captain Dilpreet Bajwa for a duck in the first over. Although Yuvraj Samra began promisingly with three boundaries, he soon fell to Ngidi. The South African pace bowler continued his onslaught, claiming Nicholas Kirton’s wicket, while Kagiso Rabada dismissed Shreyas Movva, leaving Canada struggling at 50 for four during the powerplay.
Harsh Thaker and Navneet Dhaliwal attempted to steady the innings with a 69-run partnership, but the pressure of the required run rate continued to mount. Ngidi ended the partnership by taking Thaker’s wicket, who scored 33 runs off 29 balls.
Dhaliwal fought valiantly, reaching his fifty off 39 balls and finishing with 64 runs from 49 balls, including seven fours and a six. However, with Ngidi’s outstanding four-wicket haul and Marco Jansen’s economical bowling (2-30), South Africa sealed a decisive win, restricting Canada to 156 for eight.
This remarkable performance puts South Africa in a strong position as the tournament progresses.
