AHMEDABAD: South Africa beat West Indies by nine wickets to advance to the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing West Indies’ target of 177, the Proteas won by just one wicket in 16.1 overs thanks to an exceptional start from openers Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram.

The Proteas finished their innings in commanding fashion, with Aidan Markram scoring an unbeaten 82 off 46 balls with 7 fours and 4 sixes, while Ryan Rickeldon scored 45 off 28 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes.

Batting first, West Indies scored 176 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.

After that, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd batted aggressively and gradually took the team past 100 runs. The pair put on 89 runs to revive West Indies’ innings.

Holder was eventually run out after scoring 49 off 31 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes.

Shepherd carried the innings to the end, hitting a boundary to reach his maiden T20I fifty and remained unbeaten on 52 off 37 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes.

The Proteas have not officially confirmed their place in the final four as their qualification will be confirmed after the India-Zimbabwe clash at the Chidambaram Stadium.

In the Group 1 points table, South Africa sit at the top with two wins from two matches and four points with a net run rate of 2.890. West Indies, despite the loss, are second with one win, two points and a net run rate of 1.791.

Super Eights, Group 1 Points Table:

India and Zimbabwe are looking for their first Super Eight win after losing their opening matches.

If India beats Zimbabwe, South Africa will be assured of a semi-final berth, while Zimbabwe will be eliminated.

That scenario will decide the upcoming match between India and the Caribbean side, the second semi-finalist from Group 1, joining the Proteas in the knockout stage.

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