Skipper Markram inspires win over West Indies: 1st T20 (Paarl)

South Africa made a commanding start to the series with a nine-wicket win over West Indies in the 1st T20I.

Batting first, the Windies posted a competitive 173 for 7, built around Shimron Hetmyer’s fluent 48 and useful contributions from the middle order. South Africa’s bowlers kept things tight in the latter stages, with George Linde standing out with three wickets, preventing the visitors from pushing past 180.

In reply, South Africa were in control almost throughout the chase. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with an unbeaten 86, combining calm accumulation with timely aggression as the hosts cruised to 176 for 1 in 17.5 overs.

Supported well by his opening partner Pretorious, Markram ensured there were no late stumbles as South Africa wrapped up a comfortable victory and took a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

South Africa 176 for 1 (Markram 86*, Pretorius 44, Rickelton 40*, Chas 1-31) beat West Indies 173 for 7 (Hetmyer 48, Linde 3-25, Bosch 2-35, Maharaj 2-44) by nine wickets.

Jan 2026.