T20 World Cup: Winning start for South Africa against Canada

South Africa made an imposing start to the T20 World Cup with a 57-run victory over Canada in Ahmedabad.

Associate nations have caused the more fancied teams problems in the opening three days of this tournament, but the Proteas, the 2024 runners-up and one of the main contenders behind co-hosts India, had no such issue.

They posted the highest score so far by making 213-4, with captain Aiden Markram scoring 59.

There were also contributions of 25 from fellow opener Quinton de Kock and 35 by Ryan Rickelton, while David Miller and Tristan Stubbs finished unbeaten on 39 and 34 respectively.

Lungi Ngidi then had Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa caught behind with the first ball of the chase before taking two more wickets in his second over to reduce Canada to 26-3.

Navneet Dhaliwal offered admirable resistance, sharing a stand of 69 with Harsh Thaker, but Canada finished on 156-8.

The win means South Africa join New Zealand, who beat Afghanistan in their opening fixture, at the top of Group D.

South Africa play Afghanistan in their next match on Wednesday, also in Ahmedabad. Canada play the United Arab Emirates on Friday. (BBC)