Ahmedabad, India – South Africa produced a dominant batting display to post a tournament-high 213 for four against Canada in their Group D encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Proteas powered through the final overs, smashing 47 runs off the last three, as David Miller and Tristan Stubbs closed the innings with an unbroken stand of 75 in just 6.1 overs. Miller finished unbeaten on 39 off 23 balls, while Stubbs added an aggressive 34 not out from 19 deliveries.
After Canada won the toss and elected to field, South Africa made a blistering start through Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram. The pair raced to a 70-run opening stand inside seven overs before de Kock was bowled for 25 by off-spinner Dilpreet Bajwa.
Markram continued the charge, bringing up his half-century off just 28 balls. He eventually fell for 59, having struck 10 fours and a six, caught in the deep off left-arm wrist-spinner Anish Patel.
Patel was Canada’s standout bowler, claiming figures of 3 for 31. He also removed Ryan Rickelton, who scored a quick 33 off 21 balls, and Dewald Brevis for six, briefly pulling the momentum back by reducing South Africa from 125 for one to 138 for four.
However, Miller and Stubbs ensured a strong finish for the Proteas, who were runners-up to India in the previous edition of the tournament in 2024, setting Canada a daunting target.