Aiden Markram scored 82 not out off 46 balls as South Africa beat West Indies by nine wickets in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The South Africa captain hit seven fours and four sixes. His team chased 177 with 23 balls left. They moved two points clear at the top of Group 1 in the Super 8 stage and are now close to reaching the semi-finals.

Indian cricket fans were also happy after this result, as it improved India’s chances of reaching the semi-finals. Many fans shared funny memes on social media to celebrate the win.

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West Indies Fight Back but South Africa Stay on Top

South Africa, who were finalists in 2024, looked set to chase a small total. They took four wickets in the powerplay and reduced West Indies to 83-7. However, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder added 89 runs for the eighth wicket and helped West Indies reach a total of more than 170.

Chasing the target, Aiden Markram scored a half-century in just 27 balls. He shared a 95-run opening stand with Quinton de Kock, who made 47 off 24 balls before getting out in the eighth over. Ryan Rickelton also played well and scored 45 not out off 28 balls.

Markram finished the match with his 11th boundary and gave South Africa their fifth win of the tournament in Ahmedabad. The team is now very close to the semi-finals. They will qualify if India beat Zimbabwe, while West Indies must win their last match against India to stay in the race.

See the fans reaction in below:

Indian fans 😎#SAvsWI pic.twitter.com/44YoVT9FfF

— Wellu (@Wellutwt) February 26, 2026

pic.twitter.com/PvncYQFXi2

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) February 26, 2026

🥲🥲🥲 pic.twitter.com/okLp3KlPV6

— After The Toss (@AfterTheToss) February 26, 2026

"dad, why is my name West Indies vs South Africa, 47th Match, Super 8 Group 1 (X3 v X4), ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026?????"

Me:pic.twitter.com/h8WYA8kLuV

— me without you is just me (@doug_1399) February 26, 2026

India to South Africa pic.twitter.com/51c1yBqFiR

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 26, 2026

Indian fans after throwing away their calculators pic.twitter.com/p9xZmOD5W1

— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) February 26, 2026

Ekdum se jazbat badal diye 🇮🇳🤝🇿🇦#WIvSA #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/QXrSKDogiH

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 26, 2026

South Africa to India ✌🏻#SAvsWI #WIvsSA pic.twitter.com/MGkMUJyPsZ

— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) February 26, 2026

😃😀 pic.twitter.com/cAaPGzEsnN

— Ashish Kamboj (@Imashukamboj) February 26, 2026

Abhishek Sharma Makes Strong Comeback with Quick Fifty

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who was struggling for form in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, made a strong comeback against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. He had been out for a duck in three matches in a row earlier in the tournament.

However, in this important match, Abhishek answered his critics with a quick 50 off just 26 balls. He hit three fours and four sixes and scored at a strike rate of over 180.

India are now in a strong position against Zimbabwe and are moving well towards a big total in their first innings.