Aiden Markram's unbeaten knock of 86 runs helped South Africa to a nine-wicket victory over West Indies in the first match of their T20 series on Tuesday. 

South Africa captain Markram was backed up by Ryan Rickelton and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, while George Linde starred with the ball in hand to end with figures of 3-25. 

The Proteas chose to bowl after winning the toss and quickly set about their business as Johnson Charles (13), Brandon King (27) and Sherfane Rutherford (six) fell early on. 

Shimron Hetmyer top-scored for West Indies with 48 from 32 deliveries, but after Linde ripped through their lower order, the tourists set South Africa a total of 173-7 to chase. 

And Markram made the most of a reprieve in the fifth over when he was dropped by Akeal Hosein on 27, though Pretorius (44) was dismissed soon after by Roston Chase. 

However, Rickelton joined Markram at the crease and together, the pair put on a 93-run stand to seal the victory with 13 balls remaining ahead of the second match on Thursday. 

MATCH RESULT #TheProteas claim victory by 9 wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the three match KFC T20I series!

A splendid all-around performance from #TheProteas, who were disciplined with the ball and dominant with the bat. #Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/1n1idnIuKn

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) January 27, 2026

Data Debrief: Markram leads the way with best T20I outing

Markram is expected to lead from the front for South Africa at next month's T20 World Cup, and his performance here showed he is in fantastic form ahead of the tournament. 

Indeed, his score of 86 was his best in the shortest format. He has also now plundered 408 runs against West Indies in T20Is, more than any other nation he has faced. 

Rickelton also returned to form, with his unbeaten knock of 40 from 32 balls, his highest score in six T20I innings and third-highest overall.