South Africa showed a brilliant batting performance coupled with a tight bowling display to beat Canada by 57 runs in the 9th match of Group D at Ahmedabad in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. A quick fifty by Aiden Markram and a four-wicket haul by Lungi Ngidi turned out to be the turning point.
???????? South Africa Innings: Blazing Start Sets the Tone
South Africa started their innings with a blistering attack, reaching 65/0 in the powerplay, which put immense pressure on the Canadian bowlers right from the start. Openers Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock added to the momentum with a smooth opening partnership, reaching the team's fifty in just 4.3 overs.
Markram was in top form, hitting a magnificent 50 off 28 balls, which included 8 fours and a six. South Africa reached:
100 in 9.5 overs
150 in 14.4 overs
200 in 19.2 overs
But late cameos from David Miller (39) and Tristan Stubbs (34) propelled the Proteas to a strong 213/4 in 20 overs, despite a brief slow over-rate penalty towards the end of the innings.
???????? Canada Innings: Dhaliwal Fights, Ngidi Dominates
While chasing a stiff target of 214, Canada lost initial wickets and were struggling at 45/4 in the powerplay. Although they lost wickets early, Navneet Singh Dhaliwal showed some grit by scoring 50 off 39 balls, accompanied by Harsh Thaker (29).
Canada could manage a total of 156/8 in 20 overs, but the target was too high for them against a disciplined South African bowling attack. Lungi Ngidi was the one who made crucial breakthroughs at crucial stages.
Player of the Match
Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)
4 wickets for 31 runs
Match-winning spell that tore apart Canada’s chase
Match Summary
South Africa: 213/4 (20 overs)
Canada: 156/8 (20 overs)
Result: South Africa won by 57 runs
Venue: Ahmedabad
Player of the Match: Lungi Ngidi