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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues to deliver high-octane drama, and the Group D clash between South Africa and Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was no exception. While the Proteas posted a mammoth total of 213, the highlight of the first innings was a moment of sheer brilliance in the field that saw the end of a rampaging Aiden Markram.
Dilon Heyliger plucks a screamer to dismiss dangerous Aiden Markram
The 12th over of the South African innings provided the definitive highlight reel moment of the match. South African captain Aiden Markram was in an unforgiving mood, having already reached a blistering half-century. However, the 11th over mark proved to be his undoing, thanks to some clever bowling from Ansh Patel and an extraordinary piece of athleticism from Dilon Heyliger.
Markram, looking to capitalize on a flighted delivery from Patel, attempted a signature cross-batted slog towards the long-on boundary. The ball seemingly came off the toe of the bat, losing the distance required to clear the ropes. Positioned at long-on, Heyliger had significant ground to cover.
Maintaining his composure near the padding, Heyliger sprinted and tracked the ball’s trajectory with precision. He plucked the ball out of the air while maintaining his momentum, showing elite awareness of the boundary rope. It was a cool as you like dismissal that forced Markram back to the dugout for a well-made 59 off just 32 balls -an innings decorated with 10 boundaries and a maximum. Heyliger’s stunner was vital, as it momentarily checked South Africa’s soaring momentum.
Here’s the video:
A stunner from Dilon Heyliger! 🤯
When Canada needed something special to send back Aiden Markram, he delivered in style. 💪
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #SAvCAN | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/3LPOCPHkGW pic.twitter.com/1fzXsPnOsL
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 9, 2026
Also WATCH: Flying Brian Bennett plucks a screamer to send Nadeem Khan packing in ZIM vs OMA match
South Africa put a formidable total against Canada
Despite the brilliance of Heyliger and a disciplined spell from Patel, who finished with impressive figures of 3/31, Canada’s decision to field first after winning the toss proved difficult to defend against a deep South African batting lineup. The Proteas signaled their intent early, racing to 65 runs in the mandatory Powerplay without losing a wicket.
The opening stand between Quinton de Kock (25 off 22) and Markram laid a solid foundation of 70 runs before Dilpreet Bajwa provided the first breakthrough. While Ryan Rickelton (33) and the young Dewald Brevis (6) fell in quick succession, both falling victim to the persistent Patel, the middle order ensured there was no collapse.
The final flourish came courtesy of the finishers. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs shared an unbeaten 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket, capitalizing on Canada’s slow over-rate penalty in the final two overs. Miller struck a calculated 39* off 23 balls, while Stubbs provided the late-game fireworks with 34* off just 19 deliveries.
South Africa finished their 20 overs at a towering 213/4, scoring at a run rate of 10.65. For Canada, the task ahead is monumental; chasing over 10 runs per over against a world-class bowling attack featuring Kagiso Rabada will require a historic effort.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
