Ahmedabad, Feb 26 (UNI) Captain Aiden Markram delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, smashing an unbeaten 82 to power South Africa to a thumping nine-wicket win over West Indies in the Super 8 Group 1 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday.
Markram fittingly sealed the contest in style. With South Africa needing just four runs, Jason Holder missed his yorker and offered a full toss, which Markram smashed straight down the ground for four in the 16.1st over, sparking celebrations in the dugout as South Africa remained unbeaten in the competition.
Chasing 177, South Africa reached 177 for one in just 16.1 overs at a run rate of 10.95. Markram’s 46-ball knock, studded with seven fours and four sixes, was a blend of authority and composure. He was proactive against pace, stepping across to whip deliveries off his pads, and equally assured against spin, using his feet to convert length balls into scoring opportunities. His ability to find gaps at will ensured the required rate never became a factor.
The South African captain dictated the tempo during the powerplay, taking calculated risks and forcing the West Indies bowlers off their lengths. He repeatedly pierced the infield with crisp cuts and drives, while short deliveries were dispatched with controlled pulls. Even when offered a half-chance — a sharp return catch put down by Roston Chase — Markram showed no sign of slowing down, responding with consecutive sixes to effectively shut the door on any comeback hopes.
At the other end, Quinton de Kock provided explosive support in a 95-run opening stand. After De Kock’s dismissal for 47, Markram seamlessly transitioned into the anchor’s role, ensuring there was no panic. His unbroken 82-run partnership with Ryan Rickelton was a study in intelligent chasing — rotating strike against the spinners and punishing anything loose. Rickelton’s aggressive strokeplay complemented Markram’s control, but it was the captain who remained the fulcrum around which the chase revolved.
Earlier, West Indies had recovered from a precarious 43 for four, thanks largely to a remarkable lower-order alliance between Holder and Romario Shepherd. Walking in under intense pressure, the pair combined resilience with calculated aggression to mount a stirring revival.
Holder played the stabiliser’s role initially, absorbing the pressure created by early strikes from Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Once set, he unfurled a series of clean strikes down the ground and through the leg side, finishing with 49 off 31 balls. Shepherd, meanwhile, paced his innings superbly. He targeted the shorter boundaries with powerful pulls and lofted drives, remaining unbeaten on 52 from 37 deliveries.
Their 89-run stand for the eighth wicket transformed the complexion of the innings. What had appeared headed for a below-par total suddenly became a competitive 176 for eight. The partnership not only repaired the damage but also injected late momentum, particularly in the death overs where Shepherd’s calculated assault lifted the scoring rate.
Holder eventually fell run out in the final over while attempting a quick single, bringing an end to a valiant knock that had given West Indies hope. However, that hope was short-lived as Markram’s commanding innings ensured South Africa completed one of the most clinical chases of the tournament so far.
Brief scores:
WI 176/8 (20 overs) – Jason Holder 49, Romario Shepherd 52*; Lungi Ngidi 3/30, Kagiso Rabada 2/22; SA 177/1 (16.1 overs) – Aiden Markram 82*, Quinton de Kock 47, Ryan Rickelton 45*; Roston Chase 1/46; South Africa won by 9 wickets.
