The world of cricket descended on Ahmedabad on Thursday for high marks T20 World Cup Super 8 encounter between West India and South Africa. The Group 1 contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the 47th match of the tournament was a masterclass in resilience. While the Proteas’ pace attack initially threatened to overwhelm the Caribbean side, a historic low-order battle ensured West Indies secured a competitive result in this crucial night’s game.
Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd make history against South Africa
Among the highlights of the first innings was an unusual, record-breaking partnership Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd. When Matthew Forde Fell in the 11th over, West Indies slumped to a disastrous 83/7. With the top order in the dugout, South Africa looked set to finish the innings under the 120-run mark.
But Holder and Shepherd had other plans. The duo put together a monumental partnership of 89 runs for the eighth wicket, the highest ever recorded in the history of T20 Internationals. Their clinical attack eclipsed Scotland’s previous record of 80 runs. PL Mommsen and SM Sharif against The Netherlands In 2015.
| Partners | Escape | Team | Opposition | Match History |
| JO Holder & R Shepherd | 89 | West India | South Africa | February 26, 2026 |
| PL Mommsen and SM Sharif | 80 | Scotland | The Netherlands | July 11, 2015 |
| R Sharma and Amjad Mahboob | 75 | Singapore | Cambodia | May 4, 2023 |
| C Reeds & WP Corn | 75 | Zimbabwe | Bangladesh | May 3, 2024 |
Shepherd was aggressive, finishing unbeaten on 52 off 37 balls, studded with three boundaries and four powerful sixes. Holder provided stability and veteran experience, contributing crucially to 49 off 31 balls before being run out tragically in the second and last ball of the innings.
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A master class from Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi propel South Africa to a dominant win over the West Indies
South Africa On February 26, 2026, they moved to the brink of the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating West Indies by nine wickets in a dominant Super 8 display at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a target of 177, the Proteas made a mockery of the chase by reaching the mark in just 16.1 overs, boosted by a relentless opening attack.
captain Aiden Markram delivered a definitive Man of the Match performanceAn unbeaten hammering of 82 off just 46 balls, while Quinton de Kock Set the tone early with 47 off 24 deliveries. The basis of this victory was especially laid by the South African bowlers Good luck and Kagiso RabadaWho tore apart the West Indies top order to reel them in at 52/4 by the end of the Powerplay.
Ngidi was the destroyer with figures of 3/30, while Rabada’s 2/22 provided the heavyweights. Shai Umid and Shimron Hetmyer they quickly returned to the shelter. Although a lower order recovery allowed the West Indies to post a competitive 176/8, the psychological advantage was quickly extinguished as Markram and Ryan Rickelton (45*) shared an unbeaten 82-run stand to seal victory off 23 balls.
This clinical win ensures that South Africa remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament and gives a huge boost to India’s qualification hopes by severely lowering the West Indies Net Run Rate. The defeat is a significant reality check for the Caribbean side and leaves them in a high pressure position for their final group matches. The Proteas now sit comfortably at the top of Group 1 with four points, essentially securing their place among the top four teams in the world.
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