It marked a second Super 8 victory for the 2024 runners-up, and it proved enough to secure their place in the final four after India defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai later in the day. 

As a result, the defending champions’ clash with the West Indies in Chennai on Sunday has effectively become a quarter-final, with the winner progressing to the semi-finals.

South Africa won the toss in Ahmedabad and opted to bowl first – a decision that once again paid dividends.

Quinton de Kock and Shai Hope. Photo: Cricinfo

The West Indies came out firing, racing to 29 in just 2.2 overs before Kagiso Rabada removed Shai Hope for a brisk 16 off six balls. Brandon King looked equally dangerous, smashing 21 off eleven, but Lungi Ngidi struck to halt the early momentum.

Disciplined, intelligent bowling from the Proteas tightened the screws, leaving the Windies wobbling at 83/7 after 10.2 overs. However, a counter-attacking 49 off 31 from Jason Holder and an unbeaten 52 from Romario Shepherd dragged them to a competitive 176/8.

Ngidi was once again outstanding, returning figures of 3/30 in his four overs to climb the tournament wicket-taking charts, while Rabada (2/22) and Corbin Bosch (2/31) provided superb support. 

USA all-rounder Shadley van Schalkwyk still leads the overall wickets tally with 13.

In reply, skipper Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock came out with intent, tearing into the bowling with a blistering 95-run opening stand in just eight overs.

De Kock set the tone with a fluent 47 off 24 balls, peppered with four fours and four sixes, before falling to Holder in the deep off Roston Chase. From there, Markram took control of proceedings.

The Proteas captain played a superb innings of 82 not out off just 36 deliveries, while Ryan Rickelton provided excellent support with an unbeaten 45 off 28, as South Africa cruised home with 23 balls to spare.

Jason Holder and Romario Shepard. Photo: Cricinfo

Despite being the only unbeaten side left in the tournament – with wins over heavyweights like New Zealand, India and now the West Indies – Markram was quick to keep expectations grounded.

“It doesn’t feel easy, to be honest. The boys are fully locked in – every game, every meeting. We’ve experienced both sides of World Cups before, so this is not something we take for granted.

“I don’t even think it’s worth mentioning. The guys have a lot of pride and are on a mission to achieve something special.”

Aiden Markram. Photo: Cricinfo

“You don’t want to create narratives where there aren’t any. If we need to address something, we will – but right now, the group is tracking really well.”

The Proteas will wrap up their Super 8 campaign on Sunday against neighbours Zimbabwe in Delhi, with the match set to get underway at 11:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg