Mixed fortunes for Proteas in warm-up match

FOLLOWING South Africa's 30-run loss to India in their T20 World Cup warm-up fixture on Wednesday, cricket writer Ongama Gcwabe highlights four key observations and one critical recommendation for the team as they head into the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

CAPTAIN MARKRAM LEADS FROM THE FRONT

Throughout the season, Aiden Markram has remained in superb form, recently scoring a century in the SA20 and a sublime unbeaten 86 against the West Indies in Paarl. On Wednesday, the skipper continued exactly where he left off, smashing 38 off just 19 balls, including four maximums and two boundaries.

Markram eventually retired out to allow his teammates valuable time in the middle before the tournament begins. His performance suggests he is primed to lead the batting unit by example during the showpiece event.

JASON SMITH BELONGS