West Indies suffered a crushing defeat by South Africa by nine wickets in their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match in Ahmedabad on February 26. This heavy defeat seriously affected their semi-final chances, as they will now have to defeat India in their final Super 8 round to make the top 4.
West Indies’ big selection move backfires against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 game
West Indies made a huge mistake by leaving out in-form bowler Akeal Hosein for Roston Chase and now they will be hoping that they will not have to pay a heavy price for that call. Their bowling attack looked equally ferocious, as only Chase could take a wicket against South Africa.
South Africa displayed complete power and complete control while chasing 177 like true champions and remained unbeaten in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Things went wrong for West Indies right from the start. At one time they were struggling at 83 runs for 7 wickets in their important Super 8 match.
Also read: West Indies qualification scenario after clash with South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026
But Romario Shepherd refused to give up. He played with heart and courage and scored his maiden T20I half-century. Jason Holder supported him by playing a brilliant inning of 49 runs. Together they added 89 runs and pushed West Indies to 176 for 8, which was a struggling score.
South Africa’s show of strength
The South African batsmen were absolutely brutal while chasing the target. Aiden Markram (82*) and Quinton de Kock (47*) attacked from the first over. He added 95 runs in just 48 balls for the first wicket and this partnership shattered West Indies’ hopes at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Roston Chase finally dismissed De Kock in the eighth over. But then Ryan Rickelton continued to attack against a helpless West Indies attack. Rickelton played smart shots and scored 45 runs off 28 balls, while Markram perfectly guided the chase.
Rickelton and Markram made an unbeaten 82-run partnership and ended the match in under 17 overs. They remain undefeated and look like serious contenders for the title. But this shameful defeat exposed the weakness and strategy of West Indies at the crucial stage of the tournament.
Saqlain Mushtaq drops bomb after Ahmedabad shock
After the Ahmedabad match, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq raised questions on the plans of the West Indies team and their sudden change. West Indies have completely changed their combination, he said, adding that they made a big mistake by leaving out Akeal Hosein for the chase.
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Saqlain felt that the bowlers looked very ordinary against the Proteas team, and the way West Indies finished the match suggested that something was not right, hinting at match-fixing to help India qualify for the semi-finals. He was surprised that Hosein was suddenly dropped for such a big match.
“West Indies have changed all their plans. They sat Akeal Hosein out and brought someone else (Chase) in. All the bowlers looked very normal today,” Saqlain Mushtaq said on Tapmad.
From dominance to complete bowling disaster
Just a few days ago, the same team played strong and aggressive cricket and defeated Zimbabwe by more than 100 runs, but that fearless team looked a different team against South Africa. Saqlain said that he lacked energy and the plans did not come to fruition.
“And the way they finished the match, it doesn’t look like they are West Indies, the same team that played very impressive cricket a few days ago. And today they played very ordinary cricket,” Mushtaq said.
Every defeat has a reason… and Saqlain has a principle.
Saqlain Mushtaq expressed doubts over the performance of the West Indies cricket team yesterday.
He said that West Indies suddenly changed their plans and dropped Akeal Hosein. All the bowlers looked quite normal today. pic.twitter.com/fYuboLbmTV
– 𝑨𝑻10 (@Loyalsachfan10) 27 February 2026