AHMEDABAD: South Africa delivered a dominant performance to defeat West Indies by nine wickets in a crucial Super Eight encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite a record eighth-wicket partnership from Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd.
The high-stakes match was played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, where South Africa won the toss and elected to field first.
West Indies made a promising start in the opening two overs but soon began losing wickets at regular intervals.
With the scoreboard reading 83 for seven in 10.2 overs, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd staged a remarkable recovery.
The duo put together a record 89-run partnership for the eighth wicket in T20 Internationals. Holder scored 49 before being run out in the final over, while Shepherd remained unbeaten on 52 — registering his maiden T20I half-century.
For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch picked up two wickets each.
In response, the Proteas batting lineup delivered a commanding performance, chasing down the 177-run target with ease for the loss of just one wicket.
South African captain Aiden Markram anchored the innings with an unbeaten 82, while Ryan Rickelton contributed 45 not out. Opener Quinton de Kock added 47 before being dismissed.
The emphatic victory strengthens South Africa’s position in the Super Eight stage and boosts their momentum in the race for a semi-final berth.
