The 2024 runners-up signal their intent with a powerful 57-run victory in Sharjah, setting the highest total of the tournament so far.
South Africa launched their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 57-run victory over Canada at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday, immediately stamping their authority as title contenders.
Sent in to bat after Canada won the toss, the Proteas posted a formidable 213-4, the highest total of the tournament to date, powered by a devastating late assault. The innings was anchored by captain Aiden Markram’s fluent 59 from 28 balls and turbocharged by a ruthless, unbroken 75-run partnership between the experienced David Miller (39* off 23) and the explosive Tristan Stubbs (34* off 19).
The pair plundered 47 runs from the final three overs, shifting momentum decisively after Canadian spinner Ansh Patel (3-31) had briefly checked South Africa’s progress by taking three key middle-order wickets.
In response, Canada’s chase never gained traction against a clinical South African pace attack. Lungi Ngidi was the chief destroyer, ripping through the top order to finish with impressive figures of 4-31. His early strikes left Canada reeling at 45-4 within the powerplay, effectively ending the contest. Only opener Navneet Dhaliwal provided sustained resistance with a battling 64, as Canada finished their 20 overs on 156-8.
Named Player of the Match, Ngidi highlighted the role of the evening dew in Sharjah. “It did have a bit of an impact,” he said. “The slow balls were holding up, but the fuller deliveries slid on. We have pace, but I believe variations are what catch batters out.”
The victory provides a perfect start for South Africa, who finished as runners-up in the 2024 edition, as they begin their quest to go one step further in this tournament.
