Proteas Power Into Semis; India Handed World Cup Lifeline in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD – South Africa continued their dominant, unbeaten run in the 2026 T20 World Cup, securing a clinical 9-wicket victory over the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. While the win cements the Proteas’ spot as a tournament favorite, it also provides a massive sigh of relief for Indian fans, keeping India’s semi-final hopes alive in Group 1.

The Collapse and the Rescue Act

Opting to bowl first, South Africa’s pace attack dismantled the West Indian top order. Lungi Ngidi was the star with the ball, picking up 3/30, including two wickets in the fourth over that left the Windies reeling. Kagiso Rabada (2/22) and Corbin Bosch (2/31) provided excellent support as the Caribbean side slumped to a disastrous 83/7 by the 11th over.

However, the West Indies found an unlikely pair of heroes in Jason Holder (49) and Romario Shepherd (52)*. The duo put on a record-breaking 89-run partnership for the 8th wicket, dragging their team from the brink of a double-digit score to a competitive 176/8.

Clinical Chase by Markram and Rickelton

Despite the late fightback from the Windies, the total proved insufficient on a surface that rewarded smart batting. South Africa's approach was the antithesis of the "senseless" power-hitting displayed by the West Indian top order.

Quinton de Kock set the tone with a brisk 47 off 24 balls before falling to Roston Chase. From there, Captain Aiden Markram (78)* and Ryan Rickelton (45)* took complete control. Markram, in particular, showcased "true" fearless cricket—not by swinging at every delivery, but by punishing loose balls and rotating strike with surgical precision. The Proteas reached the target of 177 with nearly four overs to spare.

Group 1 Qualification Scenario: The Road for India

South Africa’s win has simplified the math for the Men in Blue. After their earlier loss to the Proteas, India’s path to the semi-finals now rests on two clear pillars:

1. Defeat Zimbabwe: India must win their upcoming clash in Chennai.

2. Beat West Indies: The final Super 8 match against the West Indies in Kolkata will likely be a virtual quarter-final.

If India wins both remaining games, they will secure 4 points. Since South Africa has already beaten both India and West Indies, the Proteas are essentially through, leaving India and the West Indies to battle for the second spot.

Result: South Africa won by 9 wickets.

"Fearless cricket isn't about throwing your wicket away for a glory shot; it’s about calculated risks and smart execution."