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- South Africa vs Canada Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa return to the World Cup stage with redemption on their minds
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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Feb 09, 2026, 18:23:04 IST
South Africa vs Canada Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: The opening clash between South Africa and Canada at the T20 World Cup 2026 sets up a classic contest between pedigree and ambition. South Africa arrive in Ahmedabad carrying the weight of expectation, fuelled by unfinished business from the 2024 edition where they fell heartbreakingly short in the final. Nine members of that squad return, bringing continuity and experience, and the Proteas will be keen to make a statement straight away.
T2O World Cup Schedule:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup/schedule
Despite mixed results in T20Is since mid-2024, South Africa boast a settled and formidable core. Quinton de Kock has rediscovered his rhythm at the top, while Aiden Markram continues to lead with calm authority. Dewald Brevis, now playing with renewed freedom, is expected to be a key figure in the middle order after an outstanding SA20 2026, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer and struck a century in the final. The fast-bowling quartet of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi gives South Africa genuine firepower, even if they opt to go with a single specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj.
T20 World Cup Points Table
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup/points-table
Canada, though, are not simply here to make up numbers. Under new captain Dilpreet Bajwa, they are aiming to test stronger opponents whenever the opportunity arises. While warm-up losses to Italy and Nepal exposed areas for improvement, Canada possess enough power and belief to compete. Yuvraj Samra’s aggressive approach at the top, Navneet Dhaliwal’s experience and the all-round value of Saad Bin Zafar and Jaskaran Singh provide a solid framework.
With three of South Africa’s four group games scheduled in Ahmedabad, adapting quickly to the surface will be crucial. For Canada, this match represents a chance to challenge perceptions. For South Africa, it is about starting strongly and laying down a marker in their quest to finally lift the trophy.
SA vs CAN T20 World Cup Live Score: South Africa’s pace attack set to dominate
Few teams in the tournament can match South Africa’s fast-bowling depth. Kagiso Rabada leads the attack, backed by the pace and bounce of Anrich Nortje, the height of Marco Jansen and the control of Lungi Ngidi.
On true surfaces, this unit thrives on hitting the deck hard and applying pressure in bursts. With Keshav Maharaj likely to be the lone spinner, responsibility will rest heavily on the quicks.
Against Canada, early wickets will be the priority. South Africa will want to use pace to dictate terms and avoid giving the underdogs any room to settle.
South Africa vs Canada Live Score: Yuvraj Samra brings fearless energy to Canada
At just 19, Yuvraj Samra is already central to Canada’s plans. His numbers speak loudly. A strike rate well above 160 and a habit of clearing the ropes make him a rare asset at the top of the order.
Samra showed glimpses of his power in the warm-up games, even though results went against Canada. Opening the batting, he plays with freedom and little regard for reputations.
This World Cup will be his first taste of facing Full Member nations. Against South Africa’s fast bowlers, Samra’s challenge is clear. If he gets going, Canada can gain early momentum and belief.
SA vs CAN T20 World Cup Live Score: Dewald Brevis ready for a defining World Cup
Dewald Brevis enters the T20 World Cup at a crucial stage of his career. Once fast-tracked into the international setup, he has now rediscovered the freedom that first caught attention at the Under-19 World Cup.
A strong SA20 2026, including a match-winning century in the final, has put Brevis back in the spotlight. Though his recent T20I outings have been mixed, South Africa see him as a key middle-order pillar.
On high-scoring Ahmedabad pitches, Brevis’ range and confidence could be decisive. His ability to shift momentum quickly makes him one of the players to watch. This tournament could define his long-term role in South Africa’s white-ball plans.
South Africa vs Canada Live Score: Canada look to challenge the hierarchy
Canada arrive at their second T20 World Cup with little pressure and quiet determination. Results in warm-up games did not go their way, but the opening day of the tournament has already shown that Associate teams can compete.
A new captain in Dilpreet Bajwa brings fresh energy, while experienced names like Nicholas Kirton and Saad Bin Zafar provide balance. Canada’s aim is not just to participate but to test stronger sides and stretch them deep into games.
Facing South Africa is a daunting task, especially on batting-friendly pitches in Ahmedabad. Still, Canada have power in their line-up and belief in their process. For them, this match is a chance to learn, compete and possibly surprise.
SA vs CAN T20 World Cup Live Score: South Africa begin World Cup with unfinished business
South Africa walk into the T20 World Cup 2026 carrying memories they would rather forget. The final loss in 2024 still lingers, and this campaign is about closure as much as ambition. Nine players from that squad are back, giving the team familiarity and emotional edge.
The build-up has not been smooth, with losses piling up over the last year, but a recent series win against West Indies has restored some belief. Quinton de Kock’s return to form is timely, while Aiden Markram’s calm leadership sets the tone.
Against Canada in Ahmedabad, South Africa know the importance of starting strong. They will want clarity on conditions early, especially with most of their group matches scheduled at the same venue. This opener is about control, intent and sending a clear message.
South Africa vs Canada Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in Ahmedabad as overwhelming favourites against Canada, despite repeated reminders from within their camp that there are no guarantees in T20 cricket. Kagiso Rabada and captain Aiden Markram both spoke about the unpredictability of the format on the eve of the tournament, but in reality, the Proteas start with a clear advantage in experience, depth and pedigree.
Still hurting from their narrow defeat in the 2024 final, South Africa return with nine players from that squad and a renewed determination to go one step further. Their build-up has not been flawless, with inconsistent T20I results since July 2024, but a recent 2–1 series win over West Indies has steadied the ship. The loss of Heinrich Klaasen through retirement has been offset by the rise of Dewald Brevis, while Quinton de Kock’s strong form adds stability at the top.
Canada, playing their second T20 World Cup, arrive with modest expectations but genuine intent to challenge the established order. A new leadership group under Dilpreet Bajwa, combined with experienced heads like Nicholas Kirton and Saad Bin Zafar, gives them balance. Young opener Yuvraj Samra, meanwhile, brings raw power and fearlessness.
With Ahmedabad expected to produce high-scoring games, South Africa will want to assert control early in the tournament. Canada, inspired by the early competitiveness of Associate nations, will hope to test the hierarchy and make the favourites work harder than expected.
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