Aiden Markram put on a show as South Africa overcame West Indies by nine wickets in a comprehensive T20 World Cup triumph.

South Africa captain Markram scored an unbeaten 82 and hit the winning boundary with 23 balls to play with, as the Proteas surged to the top of their Super 8s group and put one foot into the semi-finals.

The Windies were put on the back foot from the off, with Shai Hope (16), Shimron Hetmyer (2), Brandon King (21) and Roston Chase (2) all dismissed in the powerplay, with Lungi Ngidi (3-30) and Kagiso Rabada (2-22) rampant.

Sherfane Rutherford (12) and Rovman Powell (9) followed, with Matthew Forde (11) then sent packing too.

However, Jason Holder (49) and Romario Shepherd (52 not out) guided the Windies to a respectable 176-8.

Yet South Africa swiftly set about dimming West Indies' hope, with Markram and Quinton de Kock getting the Proteas off to an impressive start before the latter was dismissed by Chase (1-46) on 47.

Ryan Rickelton (45 not out) slotted straight in, though, and a pair of sixes in the 14th over got South Africa well ahead of the required run rate, paving the way for Markram to seal victory. 

MATCH RESULT

An absolutely dominant all-round display from #TheProteas sees their unbeaten run continue with a masterful 9 wicket victory over West Indies. 

A remarkable campaign continues to gather momentum in this #T20WorldCup as belief grows stronger with every… pic.twitter.com/O15p2AT2Gp

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 26, 2026

Data Debrief: Proteas continue Windies dominance

Heading into this contest, West Indies had won eight of their last 11 T20Is against South Africa.

However, when it comes to the T20 World Cup, the Proteas have the clear edge. They have now won five of their six matches against the Windies at the tournament, including each of their last three.

Holder and Shepherd's 89-run partnership set a record for an eighth-wicket stand for the Windies in the shortest format, but it proved fruitless.