South Africa delivered a statement performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, overcoming a spirited West Indies fightback to register a convincing victory. After being rocked early by Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder’s record eighth-wicket stand that lifted the Caribbean side to 176, the Proteas responded with authority. Kagiso Rabada’s crucial double strike set the tone before Aiden Markram produced a commanding 82 to steer South Africa home with ease, strengthening their push toward the semi-finals.
West Indies were off to a fiery start
The West Indies, after being put into bat first, could not have asked for a better start as Shai Hope got 17 runs from the first over bowled by Keshav Maharaj. The over included two sixes and one boundary to give a good start to the West Indies.
South Africa fights back
South Africa, under pressure, brought Kagiso Rabada into the attack. He was under a lot of pressure as he was out of form, but he delivered as he sent back Shai Hope and the man-in-form, Shimron Hetmyer, in the same over. The Proteas continued to pick up regular wickets with Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, all entered the wickets column. West Indies played some poor shots and nobody really took the time to settle in, as they were reduced to 83 for seven with most of their batters back in the hut.
Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder change the game!
It all looked like the West Indies would crumble under pressure, but Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder had different plans. They took a little time at the start, but then opened up with a flurry of shots. They changed the game within a matter of seconds as they stitched a 89-run stand which is the highest eighth-wicket stand in T20Is. Holder scored49 off just 31 balls while Romario scored his maiden T20I half-century as they finished on 176 in their 20 overs which looked unlikely at one stage. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets in his four overs.
