South Africa launched their T20 World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, thumping Canada by 57 runs in their Group D clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, on Monday.

Sent in to bat, the Proteas were clinical from the outset. Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram surged to 66 without loss inside the powerplay, laying a solid platform before Markram went on to strike a composed half-century.

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South Africa posted an imposing 213/4, with late contributions from David Miller and Tristan Stubbs accelerating the total.

Canada briefly checked the momentum through Ansh Patel’s three-wicket spell, but the damage had already been done.

Canada’s response never took off. Lungi Ngidi ripped through the top order with a devastating new-ball spell, claiming four wickets to effectively end the contest and earn Player of the Match honours.

Navneet Dhaliwal offered some resistance with a resilient knock, but Canada were restricted to 156/8.

The Proteas now turn their attention to their next Group D fixture against Afghanistan on Wednesday at the same venue, looking to maintain momentum and strengthen their push for a Super Eight berth.

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