Returning to the international stage for the first time since their 2024 final heartbreak, South Africa delivered a statement of intent at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Proteas launched their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a clinical 57-run victory over Canada, blending top-order aggression with a devastating opening spell from Lungi Ngidi.
After being put in to bat, South Africa wasted no time. Skipper Aiden Markram looked in vintage form, leading the innings with a blistering 59 off 32 balls (10x4, 1x6).
Markram and Quinton de Kock (25) raced to 66/0 in the Powerplay, the highest opening stand for the Proteas in the tournament so far.
"Baroda" twist: Local-born Canadian wrist-spinner Ansh Patel (3/31) briefly derailed the innings, removing Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Dewald Brevis in a triple-strike that saw South Africa slip from 126/1 to 138/4.
The momentum shift was short-lived. David Miller (39* off 23) and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 19) combined for an unbeaten 75-run stand off just 37 balls, plundering 62 runs in the final five overs to post a daunting 213/4.
Canada's reply was snuffed out before it could even begin. Lungi Ngidi (4/31) produced a masterclass in new-ball bowling, removing Canadian skipper Dilpreet Bajwa for a golden duck with the very first ball of the chase.
Ngidi struck twice more in his second over, leaving Canada at 26/3. When Kagiso Rabada cleaned up Shreyas Movva, the upset bid was officially over.
Navneet Dhaliwal provided the lone silver lining for Canada, striking a defiant 64 off 49 balls. His 69-run partnership with Harsh Thaker (33) ensured Canada batted out their overs to finish at 156/8, avoiding a total blowout.
| Category | South Africa | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 213/4 (20 overs) | 156/8 (20 overs) |
| Top Batter | Aiden Markram (59) | Navneet Dhaliwal (64) |
| Top Bowler | Lungi Ngidi (4/31) | Ansh Patel (3/31) |
| Sixes | 7 | 3 |
| Result | Won by 57 Runs | Lost |