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AHNEDABAD: Lungi Ngidi’s incisive four-wicket haul capped a dominant all-round display by South Africa as they defeated Canada by 57 runs in their Group D match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.
After being asked to bat, South Africa posted an imposing 213 for four on a flat Ahmedabad surface, driven by a fluent fifty from captain Aiden Markram and a punishing finish from David Miller and Tristan Stubbs. Canada’s reply never gathered the required momentum as Ngidi struck early and often to derail the chase.
South Africa raced out of the blocks with Markram and Quinton de Kock exploiting the powerplay. The pair added 70 in under seven overs, with Markram particularly severe on anything loose, reaching his fifty from just 28 balls. De Kock fell for 25, but Ryan Rickelton ensured the tempo did not dip, striking 33 from 21 balls.
Markram’s innings of 59 from 32 deliveries ended shortly after the halfway mark, but Canada’s brief respite was short-lived. Ansh Patel claimed three wickets in a tight spell through the middle, yet Miller and Stubbs turned the innings decisively in South Africa’s favour. Miller struck three sixes in his unbeaten 39, while Stubbs hammered 34 from 19 balls as South Africa plundered 76 runs from the final six overs to surge past 210.
Chasing 214, Canada suffered immediate damage when Ngidi removed captain Dilpreet Bajwa with the first ball of the innings. He struck again inside the powerplay, dismissing Yuvraj Samra and Nicholas Kirton, as Canada slumped to 26 for three.
Navneet Dhaliwal offered resistance with a composed 64 from 49 balls, finding support from Harsh Thaker, who made 33, but the asking rate continued to climb. Ngidi returned to end both partnerships, finishing with four for 31, while Marco Jansen chipped in with two wickets.
With too much left to do, Canada faded to 156 for eight from their 20 overs, leaving South Africa comfortable winners and firmly placed in Group D.
Summarised Scorecard
South Africa 213/4 (20 overs)
Aiden Markram 59 (32), David Miller 39* (23), Tristan Stubbs 34* (19), Ryan Rickelton 33 (21)
Ansh Patel 3/31, Dilpreet Bajwa 1/40
Canada 156/8 (20 overs)
Navneet Dhaliwal 64 (49), Harsh Thaker 33 (29), Yuvraj Samra 12 (8)
Lungi Ngidi 4/31, Marco Jansen 2/30
Result: South Africa won by 57 runs
Player of the Match: Lungi Ngidi
