South Africa faced West Indies in a pulsating Super 8 game of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Ahmedabad’s iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Opting to bowl upon winning the toss, Aiden Markram watched his bowlers dominate before a heroic rearguard action from West Indies’ tailenders.
The Caribbean innings started disastrously: Hope 16 (6), Hetmyer 2, King 21 (11), Powell 9, Chase 2, Rutherford 12 – seven wickets down at 83 runs. South Africa’s pace battery, spearheaded by Ngidi’s 3/30, Rabada’s 2/22, and Bosch’s 2/31, seemed poised for a low total.
But Jason Holder (49 off 31) and Romario Shepherd (52 off 37, 3×4, 4×6) had other plans. Their match-defining 89-run alliance for the eighth wicket rescued West Indies, pushing the score to 176/8 and giving their bowlers something to defend.
As South Africa prepares to bat, stars like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada will be key. West Indies, captained by Shai Hope, showed grit despite the top-order implosion. Detailed squads highlight tactical choices on both sides, promising a contest of skill and strategy.