Markram and Linde guide South Africa to win over West Indies in T20 series opener

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South Africa's batsman Aiden Markram watches his shot during the T20 International cricket match between South Africa and West Indies, in Paarl, South Africa, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Halden Krog)

South Africa's batsman Ryan Rickelton watches his shot during the T20 International cricket match between South Africa and West Indies, in Paarl, South Africa, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Halden Krog) — South Africa's batsman Aiden Markram watches his shot during the T20 International cricket match between South Africa and West Indies, in Paarl, South Africa, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Halden Krog)

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5:40 PM on Tuesday, January 27

The Associated Press

PAARL, South Africa (AP) — South Africa captain Aiden Markram scored an unbeaten 86 off 47 balls as the Proteas beat the West Indies by 9 wickets Tuesday in the opener of their three-match T20 international series.

Markram, who hit nine boundaries and three sixes, shared a partnership of 83 with Lhuan-dre Pretorius (44) and 93 with Ryan Rickelton to reach 176-1 with 13 balls to spare.

Left-arm spinner George Linde picked 3-25 to earn player-of-the-match honors, while Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch took two wickets each as the visitors reached 173-7 in 20 overs after South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Shimron Hetmyer top-scored for the West Indies with 48 runs off 32 balls that included four boundaries and three sixes. Hetmyer and Rovman Powell (29 not out) shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 74.

The second match is on Thursday at Centurion.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket