The T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage heats up as South Africa faces West Indies in Group 1 at Ahmedabad’s iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Toss winner Aiden Markram wasted no time, opting to chase on a batsman-friendly surface.
Post-toss, Markram elaborated: ‘Wicket’s in great shape. We’ve got the home advantage from recent outings, and Kagiso’s IPL wisdom is gold. No team changes – we’re locked in.’ This sets up a stern test for West Indies’ top order.
Hope responded with resolve: ‘Board needs runs again. We’d prefer bowling, but we’ll play our best ball-by-ball. Proteas are sharp; we must match them in this must-win. Boys are up for it.’ Tactical tweak: Chase slots in for Hosein, purely strategic.
Recent heroics fuel the fire – South Africa’s India thrashing (76 runs) and West Indies’ Zimbabwe massacre (107 runs). The victor gains massive semifinal leverage.
South Africa: Markram (capt), de Kock (keeper), Rickelton, Brevis, Miller, Stubbs, Jansen, Bosch, Rabada, Maharaj, Ngidi.
West Indies: King, Hope (wk), Hetmyer, Powell, Rutherford, Chase, Shepherd, Holder, Forde, Motie, Joseph.
Expect high-voltage drama as two heavyweights collide, with every run and wicket carrying semifinal weight.