Markram’s Unbeaten 82 Powers South Africa to Dominant Super 8 Victory Over West Indies

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South Africa has officially secured a spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. They won a dominant nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in Ahmedabad. The Proteas chased a target of 177 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Captain Aiden Markram led the way with an unbeaten 82 off 46 balls. 

The team reached the total in just 16.1 overs. They still have a perfect unbeaten record in the tournament. This win puts them at the top of Super Eight Group 1 with four points.

Markram and Ngidi Shine in Clinical Victory


The match started with a shaky performance from the West Indies. They were invited to bat first by South Africa. The ‘Men in Maroon’ struggled early and fell to 83/7 within 11 overs. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi did the most damage by taking three wickets. However, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder saved the innings. They shared a historic eighth-wicket stand of 89 runs. This helped the West Indies reach a total of 176/8.

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The run chase was very smooth for the Proteas. Openers Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock put on 95 runs together. Markram played with great control and power throughout the game.

According to The Times of India, the captain performed well against the spin bowlers. The report stated, "Aiden Markram completes his third fifty of the tournament in just 27 balls, and the South African skipper leads the chase from the front. "This win gives South Africa great momentum for the knockout stages.

How Does the Ahmedabad Match Impact Local Business and Fans?


The T20 World Cup 2026 has brought a huge wave of ‘cricket tourism’ to Ahmedabad. Local hotels and home stays have seen a massive jump in bookings. This interest is not just for this match but also for the upcoming final. People are traveling from all over the world to see these games live.

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South Africa’s win puts massive pressure on India and Zimbabwe. The Proteas are now the strongest team in the tournament. They have handled the hot weather in Ahmedabad quite well. This ‘Super Eight’ format is proving to be a big success for both fans and the economy. As the semi-finals get closer, teams will need to focus on staying fit in the heat. All eyes are now on who will join South Africa in the final four.