T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa Crush West Indies by 9 Wickets; India’s Semifinal Path Open. South Africa stormed into the semifinal race of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dominant nine-wicket win over West Indies in the Super 8 clash at Ahmedabad. After being asked to bat, the West Indies endured a nightmare start. Their top order collapsed under relentless pace and discipline from the Proteas attack. At one stage, they were reeling at 83/7, staring at a below-par total.
However, Romario Shepherd produced a counterattacking fifty that revived the innings. He found solid support from Jason Holder, and the pair stitched together a crucial lower-order stand. Their partnership shifted momentum and powered the Caribbean side to a competitive 176/8, a total that looked improbable midway through the innings. South Africa’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory. Lungi Ngidi struck key blows in the powerplay and returned at the death to finish with three wickets. Kagiso Rabada complemented him with pace and accuracy, ensuring West Indies never fully broke free.
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Aiden Markram led from front
In reply, South Africa were clinical. Skipper Aiden Markram led from the front with a fluent and commanding knock. He dominated the spinners and attacked the seamers with authority, keeping the required rate under control throughout the chase. The Proteas batters displayed composure and smart shot selection, rarely allowing the Windies bowlers to build pressure. The chase was wrapped up in just over 16 overs, delivering not only two valuable points but also a significant net run rate boost.
With this emphatic win, South Africa remain unbeaten in the Super 8 stage and look firmly on course for a semifinal berth. West Indies, despite their spirited lower-order fightback, now face a must-win scenario in their remaining fixtures to stay alive in the tournament.
How This Result Helps Team India?
This result has significantly simplified India’s qualification equation in Super 8 Group 1. With the West Indies suffering another defeat, the race has narrowed. Net run rate is no longer the decisive factor for India if they take care of business in their remaining fixtures.
Scenario for Team India – T20 WC 2026:
- Beat Zimbabwe.
- Beat West Indies.
- NRR is now out of the equation.
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It’s cut and clear for Team India — win their two games and reach the semifinals. South Africa’s win over the West Indies has effectively removed complicated permutations. If India secure victories in both remaining matches, they will qualify purely on points, without relying on other results or net run rate calculations.