HIGHLIGHTS South Africa vs Canada, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 9 T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for Canada's response with the bat. The South African players get in a huddle before they spread throughout the park. Yuvraj Samra ​​​​and Dilpreet Bajwa are the two Canadian openers. Lungi Ngidi has the new ball and is raring to go. Bajwa to face. Here we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

A huge chase ahead - So 214 it is for Canada to chase and get their first win. They would need to bring their A game against a high-quality and an experienced bowling unit of South Africa. The surface has held true as the ball is coming nicely onto the bat. So, the way they start in the Powerplay will dictate the tempo of the chase and shape Canada’s hopes of pulling off something special.

The final counterattack - With two new batters settling in, the boundary count briefly dried up and the run rate took a slight dip. Sensing the need for a late surge, Stubbs and Miller flipped the script at the death, unleashing a fierce counterattack and plundering 62 runs in the final five overs to wrest momentum firmly back in South Africa’s favour.

Canada fightback, but lack conviction - Canada weren’t far off the mark in the first half of the innings, but a slight lack of control and conviction cost them. Markram brought up a fluent fifty and was in full flow at one end before Ansh Patel turned the tide with his smart variations and subtle grip off the surface. He strung together a couple of high-quality overs and was duly rewarded. In a sudden shift of momentum, South Africa slid from a comfortable 126/1 to a nervy 138/4, with Markram, Rickelton and Brevis falling in quick succession.

Markram led the charge - The start was pretty watchful by the Proteas openers as there was a slight hold on the surface and the seamers did get some movement. But still, it looked like a fantastic batting wicket and Markram teed off with a flurry of boundaries as QDK took his time to settle down. With 66/0 in the Powerplay, the Proteas got a good launchpad. Quinton, however, couldn't make the most of his dropped chance and was dismissed eventually but South Africa continued to motor around at more than 10s an over till halfway.

The Proteas finish on a high - On the expected lines, South Africa have managed to breach the 200 figure. And this is the second 200-plus score in this T20 World Cup after Scotland did it in the morning game against Italy. 47 runs came in the last three overs, which has helped the South Africans to put on a huge total. There was a clear evidence of a bit of inexperience in death bowling from Canada, which, they will learn to improve as they keep getting exposure in this format.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! Tristan Stubbs finishes off in style! Very full, outside off, Tristan Stubbs gets down on one knee, reaches out to it, and powers it over deep extra cover for a biggie. South Africa end their innings at 213/4.

Jaskarandeep Singh to David Miller, Another attempted yorker, and it ends up being another low full toss. David Miller knocks it down to long on for one more.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, A low full toss, on middle and leg, Tristan Stubbs flicks it through mid-wicket for another single.

Jaskarandeep Singh to David Miller, On a length, on off, David Miller opens up a bit and looks to whack it to the gap, but loses his shape and mistimes his shot down to long on for just a single.

Jaskarandeep Singh to David Miller, SIX MORE! Back-to-back sixes from David Miller! Back of a length, on middle and leg, David Miller stays back and pulls it over deep square leg for a biggie. 200 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Jaskarandeep Singh to David Miller, SIX! Up and over! An attempted yorker but it ends up as a low full toss, on leg, David Miller picks it well and whips it effortlessly over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Final over coming up. 26 from the last 2 overs for South Africa. And Danny Morrison on air informs that Canada are penalised for a slow-over rate. Meaning, an extra fielder will have to be stationed inside the 30-yard ring. Jaskarandeep Singh (3-0-28-0) to wrap up the first inning.

Kaleem Sana to Tristan Stubbs, Kaleem Sana goes full, on middle and leg, Tristan Stubbs whips it through backward square leg for a brace.

Kaleem Sana to David Miller, On a length, on off, David Miller looks to flick it but doesn't connect well. The ball goes towards mid-wicket for a single. He fails to capitalise on the free hit.

Kaleem Sana to Tristan Stubbs, Kaleem misfires again. It is a high full toss, on off, above the waist height. Tristan Stubbs pulls it but gets a top edge. The ball carries towards long on where the fielder takes a catch but it won't count as it was a Free Hit. They collect a single. This too, turns out to be a no ball for height. Another free hit coming up...

Kaleem Sana to David Miller, Kaleem Sana goes shorter, on off, David Miller pulls it towards deep square leg for a single. Hold on, the umpire, Nitin Menon, goes upstairs to have a check for a no ball. They check for a second bouncer. The third umpire says that it was over the shoulder and it is confirmed through the side on angle. No ball called. Free hit to follow...

Kaleem Sana to David Miller, SIX! Up and over! Touch fuller, on off, David Miller stays back in his crease and plunders it over long on for a biggie.

Kaleem Sana to Tristan Stubbs, Hard length, on off, Tristan Stubbs tries to loft it but gets it off the inside half of his bat. The ball goes towards wide mid on for a single.

Kaleem Sana to Tristan Stubbs, Swing and a miss! Bangs it short, outside off, Tristan Stubbs tries to pull it but misses.

Kaleem Sana to David Miller, Short, on off, David Miller knocks it to mid on for a single.

A very productive over for the Proteas. They needed this injection of momentum as boundaries had dried up for a brief phase because of three quick wickets. Kaleem Sana (3-0-23-0) will bowl out.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, On a length, on off, Tristan Stubbs drills it back to the right of the bowler, who manages to get his hand to it. A dot to end the over.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! That is even better! Overpitched, on off, Tristan Stubbs gets down on one knee and lofts it over wide long off for a biggie. That has gone 85 meters far.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! That's a brilliant shot from Tristan Stubbs! Back of a length, on off, Tristan Stubbs stays back and slaps it through the left of the bowler as the ball races away to the long off fence for a boundary.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, A slower one from Jaskarandeep Singh, outside off, Tristan Stubbs tries to cut it but gets beaten due to a lack of pace.

Jaskarandeep Singh to David Miller, A yorker, on leg, David Miller digs it through wide of mid on for a single.

Jaskarandeep Singh to David Miller, Short and wide, David Miller swings hard but misses.

Kaleem Sana to David Miller, An attempted yorker but ends up as a low full toss, on leg, David Miller turns it to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Kaleem Sana to David Miller, Wide! Sways it down the leg side, David Miller tries to pull it but misses.

Kaleem Sana to Tristan Stubbs, A yorker, on middle, Tristan Stubbs stays in his crease and digs it to mid-wicket for a single.

Kaleem Sana to David Miller, Another single. Hard length, on middle and leg, David Miller tucks it to mid-wicket for another run.

Kaleem Sana to Tristan Stubbs, Kaleem Sana goes full, on off, Tristan Stubbs knocks it to long on for a single.

Kaleem Sana to Tristan Stubbs, Bangs it short, on of, Tristan Stubbs tugs it through wide of mid on for a brace. Boundaries have dried up for South Africa.

Kaleem Sana to David Miller, Nice and full, on off, David Miller knocks it down to long on for a single.

Ansh Patel to David Miller, Short, on off, David Miller punches it to wide of mid off for a run.

Ansh Patel to Tristan Stubbs, Tight single! Too full, on off, Tristan Stubbs blocks it to the right of the bowler and scampers across for a run. Ansh Patel rushes forward, collects the ball, and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses as the throw goes over the stumps and is backed by the mid-wicket fielder. A direct hit would have been close. In fact, Stubbs was a goner had the throw hit, as he wasn't in the frame at all.

Ansh Patel to Tristan Stubbs, Short, on off, Tristan Stubbs makes room and punches it through cover for a brace. Good fielding in the deep.

Ansh Patel to Tristan Stubbs, Much fuller, on off, Tristan Stubbs drives it to cover for a single. The fielder makes a direct hit at the batter's end as the ball deflects and rolls towards square leg. They collect one more.

Ansh Patel to Tristan Stubbs, Short, just outside off, Tristan Stubbs looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls back to the left of the bowler.

Ansh Patel to David Miller, Flatter, outside off, David Miller drives it to extra cover for a single.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Tristan Stubbs, Dishes out a low full toss, on off, Stubbs drills it to cover.

Dilpreet Bajwa to David Miller, Fuller than the last ball, on off and middle. Miller prods forward to knock it towards long off for one.

Dilpreet Bajwa to David Miller, On the body, short, David pulls it to deep square leg for a couple of runs. The fielder puts in a dive to save two for his side. 150 up for South Africa!

Dilpreet Bajwa to David Miller, Darts one too full, on middle, David Miller squeezes it back to the bowler.

Dilpreet Bajwa to David Miller, FOUR! PUNISHED! Shortish in length, outside off, David Miller hangs deep in the crease and crunches it past covers for a boundary.

Dilpreet Bajwa to David Miller, A bit round-armish, on off, David Miller drives into the long off and cover gap for a couple of runs.

Ansh Patel to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! Gets off the mark straightaway! A bit overpitched by Ansh, on off, Tristan Stubbs gets on the front foot and clobbers it wide of long off for a cracking boundary.

Tristan Stubbs walks in at number 5 with South Africa in a spot of bother.

Ansh Patel to Dewald Brevis, OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND CAUGHT! Ansh with a double blow. He has bowled admirably well so far as he gets his third wicket. Gives the ball a good flight, does Patel. Lands it in thereabouts of off and middle, Dewald Brevis gets lured in the flight and goes for a pre-meditated slog sweep, but ends up getting a fat leading edge. The ball gets sliced up through the chimney and hangs for a long time. Nicholas Kirton maintains his cool at mid on and takes a fine catch. Dewald Brevis goes without much impact. Just a run-a-ball 6 for him.

Ansh Patel to David Miller, Onto the pads, drifting in through the air, David Miller steers the full ball through mid-wicket for an easy single. Miller is off the mark.

Ansh Patel to David Miller, Flat and short, on off, David Miller hangs back and bunts it back to Patel.

Ansh Patel to David Miller, Nicely tossed up, full and around off, David Miller presses forward and taps it to cover-point.

DRINKS BREAK! From 126/1, South Africa have slipped a little bit to 137/3. But with still a lot of batting to come, 200 looks very much on cards. However, with two new batters at the crease, Canada would aim to bowl a few quiet overs to restrict their opposition as low as possible. David Miller is in at number 5.

Ansh Patel to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Wicket number 2 for Ansh. He pushes it down the leg stump line and keeps the length full. Ryan Rickelton's eyes get lit up as he goes for a bottom-handed whip over the long on fence, but mistimes it off the inner half. It goes only as far as Harsh Thaker stationed in the deep. Harsh judges the trajectory nicely and takes a fine overhead catch with a reverse cup. A decent outing for Ryan Rickelton as he falls for 33 off 21. South Africa are 137/3.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Dewald Brevis, Fullish in length, from around the stump. This is pushed wide across the batter. Dewald Brevis decides to leave, and the ball flirts with the tramline before carrying through to the keeper. Not called a wide. Excellent over from Jaskarandeep Singh. Just 5 from it.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Ryan Rickelton, Hurls in a slower one, angling on middle and leg, Ryan caresses it to long on for another run.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Dewald Brevis, On a back of a length, angled across the batter. Dewald Brevis punches it on the up to deep point for a run.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Dewald Brevis, WIDE! Beyond the guideline, full in length, trying to keep it away from his wheelhouse. Brevis is happy to let that go.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Dewald Brevis, Swing and a miss! Banged in on a length, outside off, Dewald Brevis jumps in the crease to play the square cut but fails to get the connection.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Ryan Rickelton, Into the blockhole, on off, Ryan Rickelton shovels it in front of mid off for a single.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Ryan Rickelton, WIDE! Short and at shoulder height but angling down leg. Ryan Rickelton swivels for a pull shot, but misses. Wide called.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Ryan Rickelton, Outside off, on a good length, Ryan Rickelton throws his bat at it, but does not connect as the ball passes above his angled bat.

Ansh Patel to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! HAMMERED! Around off, on a good length, Dewald Brevis presses back and pulls it to the right of the long on fielder for a cracking boundary.

Ansh Patel to Ryan Rickelton, On a length on middle, this is eased down to long on for a single.

Ansh Patel to Dewald Brevis, Length, outside off, slashed away to deep point for a single.

One of the best catches of the tournament so far by Heyliger. Dewald Brevis is in at number 4.

Ansh Patel to Aiden Markram, OUT! CAUGHT! An outrageous catch by Dilon Heyliger. Ansh pushes it far outside off. It is the googly on a lower trajectory, short in length. Aiden Markram plays from the crease and swats it aerially to clear the long on fence. Dilon Heyliger comes running across to his left, along the circumference of the ropes and times his leap to perfection to pluck the ball. He then ensures that he does not get off balanced and trip over the ropes. Excellent control and flexibility by him. Aiden Markram departs on 59 off 32. South Africa are 126/2.

Ansh Patel to Aiden Markram, FOUR! That is such a good cricketing shot! Too full, on middle and off, Aiden Markram heaves between the gap at deep mid-wicket and long on and it squirts to the ropes for four more.

Ansh Patel to Ryan Rickelton, Lands it on a length, around off, Ryan Rickelton rocks back and drags it across to long on for a run.

Saad Bin Zafar to Ryan Rickelton, Around off, on a fractionally fuller length, this is drilled down to long off for a single. 17 runs off the over.

Saad Bin Zafar to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Runs are flowing freely for the Proteas! Sliding onto the pads, on a fuller length, Ryan Rickelton gets down on his knee and sweeps it aerially, behind square on the leg side and beats the deep square leg fielder to his left for a boundary.

Saad Bin Zafar to Aiden Markram, Too full, on off, Aiden Markram hammers it on the bounce to long off for a single.

Saad Bin Zafar to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Top placement! Not that short from Saad, just outside off, Aiden Markram is quick to rush on the back foot and cuts it like a knife through short third and backward point gap for a boundary.

Saad Bin Zafar to Ryan Rickelton, Full and flat, outside off, driven off the front foot to deep cover for a single. Nelson on the board.

Saad Bin Zafar to Ryan Rickelton, SIX! Not much turn on offer, full and off. Ryan Rickelton picks the length early and slogs it flatly over deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

Halfway through the first inning. South Africa keep motoring along at 10s an over. Saad Bin Zafar (2-0-21-0) to bowl now.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Aiden Markram, FOUR! That should have been stopped! Flatter, on off, Aiden Markram whips it towards long on. The fielder moves to his right and tries to stop it but deflects the ball to the fence for a boundary. That brings up fifty for Aiden Markram. 14 from the over, SA are 104/1 after 10 overs.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Ryan Rickelton, Short, on off, Ryan Rickelton punches it to covers for a run. Hundred comes up for South Africa!

Dilpreet Bajwa to Ryan Rickelton, Flighted up, on off, Ryan Rickelton flicks it through the left of the bowler towards long on for a brace.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Aiden Markram, Flatter, on leg, Aiden Markram turns it through mid-wicket for a single.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Aiden Markram, In the air... safe! Full, outside off, Aiden Markram looks to loft it but gets a top edge. The ball goes in the air and lands safely at deep cover. The batters collect two runs.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Top shot! Flatter, just outside off, Aiden Markram makes room and drills it through the right of the bowler as the ball races away to the fence in a flash.

Saad Bin Zafar to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Ryan Rickelton frees his arms and gets a boundary! Full, outside off, Ryan Rickelton gets low and cracks a drive through cover. The fielder dives to his right near the fence, gets his hand to it but the ball deflects and trickles away to the fence.

Saad Bin Zafar to Aiden Markram, Flatter, on off, Aiden Markram chips it to mid off for a run.

Saad Bin Zafar to Aiden Markram, Short and wide, Aiden Markram pushes it to the cover fielder.

Saad Bin Zafar to Ryan Rickelton, Flatter, shorter and on off, Ryan Rickelton moves a bit to his right and steers it through cover for just another single.

Saad Bin Zafar to Aiden Markram, Keeps it short, just outside off, Aiden Markram makes room and punches it through cover for a single.

Saad Bin Zafar to Ryan Rickelton, Short, on off, Ryan Rickelton knocks it down to long on for a single.

Saad Bin Zafar to Aiden Markram, Two wides! Sprays it down the leg side, Aiden Markram looks to flick it but misses. The keeper fails to stop it as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They collect a single as well.

Ansh Patel to Aiden Markram, Short, just outside off, Aiden Markram knocks it down to long off for a single.

Ansh Patel to Aiden Markram, Beaten! Flatter, outside off, with a hint of turn. Aiden Markram tries to cut it but gets beaten.

Ansh Patel to Ryan Rickelton, Short, on off, Ryan Rickelton knocks it to mid off for a run.

Ansh Patel to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Loose delivery and put away by Ryan Rickelton! Ansh Patel errs his line down leg, Ryan Rickelton gets down on one knee and slogs it through backward square leg for a boundary.

Ansh Patel to Ryan Rickelton, Flatter, on off, and it skids through. Ryan Rickelton fends it to the point fielder.

Ansh Patel to Ryan Rickelton, Keeps it full, outside off, Ryan Rickelton drills it through wide of mid off for a brace.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Ryan Rickelton, Quicker, outside off, Ryan Rickelton chips it over cover for a run. He fails to capitalise on the Free Hit.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Ryan Rickelton, Flatter, down leg, Ryan Rickelton tries to flick it but misses. The keeper, Movva, does get a hand on it, but does not manage to gather it cleanly to his right. It is parried to the short fine leg region. It's a no ball as Dilpreet Bajwa has overstepped. Even if it wasn't a no ball, it would have been a wide. Free Hit coming up...

A much-needed wicket for Canada. Ryan Rickelton is in at number 3.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Quinton de Kock, OUT! TIMBER! Dilpreet Bajwa gets the big wicket of Quinton de Kock. Tossed up above the eyeline from Dilpreet Bajwa, full and on off and middle. It is the off break that grips a bit. Quinton de Kock takes a step forward and looks to flick it but the ball sneaks through the bottom of his blade and rattles over the stumps. Dropped on 5, Quinton de Kock departs for 25 off 22. South Africa are 70/1.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Aiden Markram, Much fuller, on off, Aiden Markram drives it through cover for a single. Good over so far.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Quinton de Kock, Drags his length back, on off, Quinton de Kock punches it to wide of mid off for a single.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Quinton de Kock, A low full toss, on leg, Quinton de Kock flicks it through backward square leg for a brace.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Quinton de Kock, Nice and full from Dilpreet Bajwa, on leg, Quinton de Kock blocks it back to the bowler.

Drinks Break! South Africa have absolutely dominated the Powerplay, racing to 66 without loss. Quinton de Kock is making Canada pay for that dropped catch, sitting unbeaten on 22, while Aiden Markram has reached 35. Canada desperately needs a breakthrough right now, because if they don't separate these two soon, they are going to be chasing a massive total. Dilpreet Bajwa to continue. Went for 11 off his first over.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Runs continue to flow for South Africa! On a length, on middle and leg, Aiden Markram picks it well and chips it over the leaping mid on fielder as the ball races away to the fence.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Good comeback from Jaskarandeep Singh. A yorker, right into the blockhole, Aiden Markram digs it back to the bowler.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Aiden Markram, SIX! That goes all the way! Aiden Markram is in good touch. On a length, on middle and leg, Aiden Markram stays in his crease and launches it over long on for a biggie.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Jaskarandeep Singh goes fuller, on leg, Quinton de Kock nudges it through square leg for one again.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Hard length, on leg again, Aiden Markram stays back and turns it through square leg for a run.

Jaskarandeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Good start from Jaskarandeep Singh. Nice and full, on leg, Aiden Markram eases it to the mid on fielder.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Aiden Markram, Short, on middle, skidding through, Aiden Markram is rushed on the back foot, and tucks it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Quinton de Kock, On middle and full, Quinton de Kock pushes it through mid-wicket for a single.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Quinton de Kock, Much fuller, on the pads, drifting down further, Quinton de Kock flicks it to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Aiden Markram, Short, on off, Aiden Markram punches it down to long off for a single. 50 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Dilpreet Bajwa to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Markram is dealing in boundaries. That's his fifth so far. This is pitched a tad short, on off, Aiden Markram goes deep inside the crease and cuts it through the cover-point gap for a boundary.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Quinton de Kock, Nice and full, on leg, pushed down to long on for a single.

Dilpreet Bajwa to Quinton de Kock, WIDE! Down leg, on a length, QDK misses the flick.

The skipper, Dilpreet Bajwa, brings himself into the attack.

Saad Bin Zafar to Quinton de Kock, Full and drifting in from off, Quinton de Kock goes for a flashy drive to the off side, but inside edges past the leg stump to backward square leg for a single.

Saad Bin Zafar to Quinton de Kock, Stumping chance, missed! Very fuller and well wide of off. Quinton de Kock gives a premeditated charge, out to drive but only manages a bottom edge. The keeper moves to his left but the ball sneaks past his right side, allowing de Kock to scramble back into his crease safely. That edge, in a way, saved Quinton and he has a nervy smile on his face.

Saad Bin Zafar to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! Getting nicely in his groove now. Quicker delivery, full and on off, Quinton de Kock advances down a little and smashes it down the ground, beating mid off to his left for a boundary.

Saad Bin Zafar to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! Up and over! Flat and full, around off, Quinton de Kock makes room for himself and lofts it inside out over extra cover for a cracking boundary.

Saad Bin Zafar to Quinton de Kock, Nice and full, around off, de Kock leans forward and eases it to cover.

Saad Bin Zafar to Quinton de Kock, Pitched a touch short, outside off, Quinton de Kock presses back and punches it wide of cover for a couple of runs.

Saad Bin Zafar is brought into the attack. He replaces Dilon Heyliger.

Kaleem Sana to Aiden Markram, FOUR LEG BYES! Back of a length, on the leg stump, nipping in off the pitch. Aiden Markram misses to flick it away and the ball deflects off the thigh pad before racing to the deep fine leg fence.

Kaleem Sana to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Quality shot! Swings back in from middle, on a fuller length, Aiden Markram gets across and flicks off the pads through mid-wicket and mid on gap for a boundary.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, EDGED AND DROPPED! A massive opportunity goes begging. Back of a length, nipping away late with some bounce. Quinton de Kock shimmies down the track and flashes hard at it, only to get a thick outside edge. The ball flies flatly to the left of short third. The fielder, Ansh Patel, flings to that direction by outstretching his left hand, but puts it down. The ball deflects away and they get a single.

Kaleem Sana to Aiden Markram, Skids through the deck on a hard length, on leg, Aiden Markram nudges it off the back foot past square leg for a run.

Kaleem Sana to Aiden Markram, WIDE! A bit wayward again. Short and down the leg side. Aiden gets inside the line and makes the leave.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, On a back of a length, outside off, Quinton de Kock hops back and dabs it between short third and backward point for a quick single.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, BEATEN! Shapes in and then angles away late, on a good length, Quinton de Kock looks to loft it downtown, but misses to connect as the ball breezes past his outside edge.

Dilon Heyliger to Aiden Markram, FOUR! SMASHED! Heyliger drags his length back and bowls wide outside off, Aiden Markram strides across and punches it on the up through cover-point for the third boundary of the over.

Dilon Heyliger to Aiden Markram, WIDE! Reload! Rears up through the deck, angling down leg, Aiden Markram misses to whip that across.

Dilon Heyliger to Aiden Markram, Nice and full, outside off, shapes away. Aiden decides to leave.

Dilon Heyliger to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Handsomely driven! Dilon overpitches it, trying to use the shape to his advantage, but offers a lot of width. Aiden Markram lunges ahead and caresses it through the cover and point gap for a boundary. Didn't hit off the middle, but it races away.

Dilon Heyliger to Aiden Markram, This one does not quite carry. On a length, outside off, stays low. Aiden Markram is beaten on the square cut.

Dilon Heyliger to Aiden Markram, FOUR! In control! Serves it full and wide on off, Aiden Markram leans on and cracks the cover drive through the gap for the first boundary of the match.

Dilon Heyliger to Aiden Markram, Slammed hard into the pitch with some away shape, outside off. Aiden Markram slaps it off the back foot, but finds the man at cover.

Dilon Heyliger to operate from the opposite end.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, Swings away on a length, outside off, Quinton de Kock chases the wide line, trying for a cover drive, but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, Pitched full and on middle, Quinton de Kock lofts it over the bowler's head, but the ball plugs in the outfield and slows down before the mid off fielder hunts it. Two taken. Not the quickest of outfields.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, Cuts back in after pitching on a good length, still remains outside off. This is left alone by de Kock again.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, On a nagging length, leaving the batter, outside off, Quinton de Kock leaves it alone.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, On a fuller length, nipping back in and around middle. Quinton de Kock presses in front to block, but gets a thick outside edge to the left of deep backward point for a couple of runs.

Kaleem Sana to Quinton de Kock, WIDE! A bit of outswing on offer, on a good length, shaping beyond the guideline outside off. Quinton offers no shot. Second wide of the over already.

Kaleem Sana to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, angling outside off with a bit of extra bounce. Aiden Markram looks to square cut, and ends up playing it uppishly, but in the backward point gap for a single to get off the mark.

Kaleem Sana to Aiden Markram, WIDE! A loosener to start with. Fires it full, but way outside the off stump, breaching the tramline. Aiden leaves.

All done with the pre-match rituals and it is time to get going in Ahmedabad. Out walk the two umpires. The Canadians spread out to the field and take their respective positions. Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock are the two South African openers. Kaleem Sana has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Skipper Markram to take the strike. A slip in place. Time to play!

It is time for the national anthems. The match officials make their way out in the middle. Aiden Markram and Dilpreet Bajwa lead their respective sides out in the middle as well. It will be Canada's national anthem first, followed by that of South Africa.

The captain of South Africa - Aiden Markram says that the surface looks pretty good and stresses that they cannot take the initial stages of the tournament lightly. Hopes his side could get off to a strong start, post a competitive total, and then carry that momentum into their bowling. He adds it is a fantastic stadium to play at and they are excited about getting a good run going in Ahmedabad. Markram adds that the team was really looking forward to the start of the World Cup, stressing that while progressing to the final is the long-term aim, it is something they have to earn. He confirms that Stubbs will bat at number six, with the side opting for four seamers alongside Keshav Maharaj as the lone spinner.

The captain of Canada - Dilpreet Bajwa says that they will bowl first. Adds that the side is excited to play against the runners-up of the last World Cup. He mentions that it looks like a batting track and says that they had good practice warm-up matches and they are ready. Mentions that they are going with 3 pacers and states that the guys are up for the challenge. Talking about the experience of playing against top teams, Dilpreet mentions that many of them have already played in the GT20 League, where they got the chance to rub shoulders with international players. He is also quick to add that the World Cup is a much bigger stage and that it is a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent to the world.

Canada (Playing XI) - Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa (C), Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (WK), Harsh Thaker, Saad Bin Zafar, Jaskarandeep Singh, Dilon Heyliger, Kaleem Sana, and Ansh Patel.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi.

TOSS - Kem chho, Ahmedabad. It is coming to toss time at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The two captains - Aiden Markram and Dilpreet Bajwa - are out in the middle for the coin flip. Aiden gives it a flick. Bajwa calls it correctly. CANADA OPT TO BOWL FIRST.

An unpredictable opposition - South Africa will play three back-to-back games in Ahmedabad, so they will aim to get comfortable quickly. They have got one T20I under their belt at this venue, a loss to India back in December 2025. The stats here are pretty clear though. In the eight T20I matches played at this ground, teams batting first have won five times, making the toss a big factor. And it’s not just about batting first, it’s about posting big totals. Teams batting first have crossed 200 three times here, so if the Proteas get first crack, they’ll be looking to pile on the runs and put Canada under serious pressure from the get-go. But the way we have seen the associate teams pushing the big daddies to their limits, this is going to be another mouth-watering clash between South Africa's lethality in both departments and Canada's overall unpredictability. Stay tuned for the toss and teams.

Nothing to lose, all to gain - Canada are playing their second consecutive T20 World Cup, and there’s genuine excitement around their young skipper. 23-year-old Dilpreet Bajwa will be leading the charge, and the question is whether they can rise to the occasion and challenge strong opponents. The warmup losses to Italy and Nepal weren’t great, but they do have a solid core of experience. Saad Bin Zafar and Dilon Heyliger lead the bowling attack as their most prolific wicket-takers, while Nicholas Kirton will be key with the bat. Navneet Dhaliwal is their only batter with over 1000 runs in this format, providing much-needed stability, and Yuvraj Samra’s youthful energy could be the wildcard that makes things interesting.

South Africa’s tough road begins - Since that heartbreaking final in Barbados a couple of years back, the Proteas have endured a pretty underwhelming stretch in the T20I format. The numbers don’t paint a great picture. A win percentage just below fifty percent, with 12 wins and 20 losses in the same period. Not exactly the form you want heading into a major tournament. Now they’re stuck in a group of death alongside New Zealand and Afghanistan, two teams that can beat anyone on their day. For Aiden Markram and his men, a strong start isn’t just important, it is absolutely essential. In a group this tough, there’s very little margin for error.

Ahmedabad welcomes the World Cup - The faster the format, the quicker the action. The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is flying through cities at express speed, and now it’s pulling into the vibrant city of Ahmedabad for Match 9. We have got an exciting Group D clash on our hands as the dangerous South Africa square off against the spirited fighters from Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Buckle up, folks. Welcome to our coverage. Let’s get this party started.

... MATCH DAY ...

Redemption meets rebellion in Ahmedabad - Under the Ahmedabad lights, where big moments have a habit of turning into legends, South Africa and Canada step into Match 9 of the ICC T20 World Cup, a Group D fixture that also marks their first-ever meeting in this format, with very different histories but the same dream. For the Proteas, this tournament is as much about redemption as it is about silverware. Less than a couple of years ago, they were 'inches from glory' in the T20 World Cup final before watching it slip away, and that lingering pain has added an edge to a squad that now looks deeper, sharper and far more balanced. Firepower and form in the Proteas batting - Their build-up has been mixed, with only two series wins since that doomed final, one of them coming against West Indies, offering encouragement but also reminders of inconsistency, including a surprising one-off defeat against Namibia when a rotated XI was caught off guard. Yet, what truly lifts South Africa is the explosive form of their batting core. The return of Quinton de Kock has been a game-changer, as the left-hander topped the run charts in the recent SA20, rediscovering the fluency and authority that made him one of the most feared openers in the world. Ryan Rickelton has seized his late call-up with both hands, smashing two centuries in the same competition, while Tristan Stubbs arrives with confidence surging after a title-winning season capped by a match-winning final. Add Dewald Brevis, who topped South Africa's T20I run charts in 2025, alongside the reliability of Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram, and the Proteas suddenly look like a side that can post or chase any total. With David Miller waiting to deliver his trademark late fireworks and the six-hitting Jason Smith offering an X-factor, the batting depth is intimidating. Pace, power and spin in the bowling unit - Their bowling, too, carries menace on a surface expected to slow down as the match wears on. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen bring early movement and hostility, while Anrich Nortje's raw pace adds a point of difference. Corbin Bosch, South Africa's leading T20I wicket-taker in 2025, has a knack for striking at key moments, and the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and George Linde should be well suited to extracting grip and control. Canada's Rise Powered by Belief - Canada, meanwhile, arrive with nothing to lose and a growing reputation for punching above their weight. Back-to-back T20 World Cup qualifications, sealed by a dominant unbeaten run through the ICC Americas Regional Qualifiers, have given them belief that they belong on this stage. Yuvraj Samra has been the heartbeat of their batting, piling up over 400 runs in the last year, while Navneet Dhaliwal and Harsh Thaker have repeatedly stepped up with stabilising and match-shaping knocks. Skipper Dilpreet Bajwa adds leadership and middle-order muscle, and with Dilon Heyliger and Saad Bin Zafar contributing with both bat and ball, Canada possess a flexible, all-round driven line-up that can adapt to different match situations. Their bowling is built around Kaleem Sana, whose 28 wickets last year underline his ability to strike regularly, supported by the discipline of Jaskaran Singh and the control and variety of Shivam Sharma and Saad, a group that knows it must take early wickets to keep South Africa in check. Team Form (Last 5 T20Is, latest result first) - South Africa - LWWLL | Canada - WWWWW. What to expect? What makes this contest even more compelling is the pattern that has already emerged in this World Cup, where teams like Netherlands, Scotland and USA have all pushed giants such as Pakistan, West Indies and India into uncomfortable corners, even enjoying the upper hand for long periods before falling just short of the final leap. Those performances have sent a clear message that no game is a formality, and Canada can take heart from that. If they can stay in the fight deep into the match and make their moments count against a star-studded South Africa outfit who will look to assert dominance, there is enough belief, balance and momentum in this squad to dream of something special, and who knows, Ahmedabad might just be the stage for another 'impossible' upset.