Aiden Markram produced a match-winning unbeaten 82 as South Africa thrashed West Indies by nine wickets to maintain their unbeaten run at the T20 World Cup and strengthen their push toward the semi-finals.
Chasing 177, South Africa cruised to 177 for 1 with 23 balls to spare, underlining why many now consider them strong contenders for the title.
Bowlers Set the Tone Early
After being asked to bat on a tricky Ahmedabad surface, West Indies collapsed to 83 for 7 inside 11 overs.
Lungi Ngidi (3-20) and Kagiso Rabada (2-22) tore through the top order, sharing five wickets between them. Corbin Bosch also impressed with 2-31 as the Proteas’ pace attack dismantled the Caribbean batting lineup.
West Indies recovered through a record 89-run eighth-wicket stand between Jason Holder (49) and Romario Shepherd (52*), with Shepherd registering his maiden T20I half-century. However, despite using all 20 overs to post 176 for 8, the total always looked slightly under par.
Markram Leads Clinical Chase
South Africa’s reply was ruthless. Markram’s unbeaten 82 marked his third half-century of the tournament and his 22nd fifty-plus score in T20 Internationals.
He shared a commanding 95-run opening partnership with Quinton de Kock, who smashed 47 off 24 balls. Their stand effectively killed off the contest within the powerplay overs.
De Kock initially played second fiddle while Markram attacked, but later accelerated with four sixes in a rapid burst that crushed West Indies’ hopes. After de Kock’s dismissal, Ryan Rickelton added an unbeaten 45 to guide the team home comfortably.
South Africa Emerging as Title Favorites
South Africa have now beaten India, Afghanistan, and West Indies — all strong contenders — while maintaining a 100% record in the tournament. Despite dropping four catches and not being flawless in the field, they continue to find ways to win.
With a balanced squad featuring experienced stars and in-form match-winners, and with Ahmedabad proving to be a lucky venue for them, the Proteas are increasingly being viewed as serious contenders to finally lift the T20 World Cup trophy.
If their current form continues, South Africa’s long wait for global silverware could soon come to an end.