The Unstoppable Fan

The Proteas are calling on cricket fans across South Africa and beyond to stand with the team as they embark on their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey when their campaign begins against Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.

The 2024 runners-up enter the global tournament determined to build on their recent momentum, backed by the unwavering support of South Africans as they take the next step in their pursuit of silverware.

The Unstoppable Fan celebrates the role supporters play in powering the Proteas and reminds fans that they don’t just watch the game; they keep it alive with every chant, cheer and moment of belief. They’re not just spectators but part of the team’s heartbeat.

Proteas captain Aiden Markram says representing the country on the world stage carries special meaning for the squad.

“Representing South Africa on the world stage is always a privilege and heading into a T20 World Cup makes that feeling even more special. As a group, we know how much it means to the people back home and we feel that support wherever we go.

“Our hope is to make the country proud and create memories that fans will carry with them for years to come.”

The Proteas are drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. Looking ahead to the opening encounter against Canada, Markram emphasised the importance of focusing on the team’s own strengths against a new opponent.

"We haven't played them and we're not 100% sure what to expect and that poses a new challenge.

"When you play teams consistently you have a pretty good idea of how they approach the game, their plans, the actual players and their abilities. From our side, we don't want to put too much emphasis on that. We'd rather focus on our skills, on our plans and executing well and we feel if we're able to do that, we give ourselves a good chance."

Join us on our World Cup journey – you are part of the team!

The match gets underway from 3.30pm SA time live on SuperSport 212.

South Africa Men’s Squad - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans), George Linde (World Sports Betting Western Province), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka  (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins) and Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors).

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Group D Fixtures

Monday, 9 February at 3.30pm SAST

South Africa v Canada - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Wednesday, 11 February at 7.30am SAST

South Africa v Afghanistan - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Saturday, 14 February at 3.30pm SAST

New Zealand v South Africa - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Tuesday, 18 February at 7.30am SAST

South Africa v United Arab Emirates - Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi