South Africa secured their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 with a nine-wicket victory over West Indies in Ahmedabad on February 26. Aiden Markram's unbeaten 82 guided the Proteas to chase down 177 in just 16.1 overs, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament. The result, combined with India's later win over Zimbabwe, sets up a decisive match between India and West Indies for the second Group 1 spot.
In the Super 8s Group 1 clash at Ahmedabad, West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, reaching 176 for 8 in 20 overs after a dramatic recovery. The Caribbean side slumped to 83 for 7, losing early wickets to South Africa's pace attack, including Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer to Kagiso Rabada (2-22) and Brandon King and Roston Chase to Lungi Ngidi (3-30). Corbin Bosch claimed 2 for 31. However, Jason Holder (49) and Romario Shepherd (52 not out) forged an 89-run eighth-wicket partnership, hitting 11 sixes and 15 fours in total to rescue the innings.
South Africa made light work of the target, finishing at 177 for 1. Captain Aiden Markram starred with 82 not out off 46 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, while Quinton de Kock scored 47 off 24 balls with four fours and four sixes. Ryan Rickelton added an unbeaten 45 off 28 balls. The opening stand between Markram and de Kock yielded 95 runs in eight overs, setting the tone on a good batting surface. Roston Chase took the only wicket for West Indies.
South Africa dropped three catches in the field but restricted West Indies to what proved an under-par total. This victory marked their sixth win in the tournament, confirming semi-final qualification after India's 72-run win over Zimbabwe later that day (India 256, Zimbabwe 184 for 6). India and West Indies, both on two points, will contest the second semi-final spot from Group 1 in Kolkata on March 1. South Africa face eliminated Zimbabwe in Delhi on the same day.
Player of the match Aiden Markram said: "We bowled well and the powerplay was a big thing for us to get out of nicely. Our bowlers left us with less work to do." West Indies' deep batting was evident, but South Africa's top order delivered a flawless chase.
