T20 World Cup 2026: 'No one has read conditions better than South Africa' - Irfan Pathan hails Proteas after comprehensive win vs West Indies

Published - 26 Feb 2026, 19:02 IST | Updated - 26 Feb 2026, 19:33 IST

Irfan Pathan heaped praise on South Africa after they made light work of the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, February 26. Aiden Markram led from the front with his second 80-plus score in the ongoing T20 World Cup as South Africa stretched their winning streak to six matches.

Markram won the toss in the afternoon fixture and opted to bowl first. They restricted the West Indies to 176/8 in their 20 overs before getting to the target with nine wickets and 23 balls to spare.

Pathan, who is a T20 World Cup winner himself, lauded South Africa's game awareness, explaining how they have correctly decided what to do after winning the toss in their last two games in the Super 8.

"No one has read conditions better than South Africa at this World Cup. Night game vs India, Batted first on black soil. Afternoon game today, Won the toss and chose to chase on red soil, backing the bounce. That is solid game awareness, and elite game IQ," the former India all-rounder wrote on his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle.

South Africa have been on a roll in the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup. After losing to India in the final in 2024, the Proteas are determined to win their maiden T20 World Cup title. Apart from Markram's unbeaten 82 off 46 balls on Thursday, Quinton de Kock (47 off 24 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (45* off 28 balls) made vital contributions. Earlier in the day, Lungi Ngidi starred with the ball for South Africa, as he bagged a three-for. Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch also chipped in with two scalps apiece.