SA vs CAN Prediction Match 9- Who Will Win Today? ICC T20 World Cup 2026

SA vs CAN prediction [Source: @ICC/x.com]

South Africa are all set to begin their T20 World Cup 2026 journey with a clash against Canada on Monday, February 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is a heavyweight vs underdog battle.

South Africa come into the tournament riding high after a 2-1 T20I series win over West Indies. Confidence is flowing in the camp. Aiden Markram’s men will want to hit the ground running and grab early momentum. Canada, meanwhile, will need to punch above their weight. They willl have to bring their A-game if they want to rattle the Proteas.

SA vs CAN: current form (last 5 matches)

SA vs CAN: Key player battles

Quinton de Kock vs Kaleem Sana

Quinton de Kock has been in red-hot touch and when he gets going, he can tear apart any attack. Kaleem Sana with his left-arm pace and ability to swing the new ball will look to strike early. If Sana can get De Kock inside the powerplay, Canada will fancy their chances of keeping things tight. But if De Kock settles, expect fireworks.

Navneet Dhaliwal vs Kagiso Rabada

Navneet Dhaliwal will carry Canada’s hopes at the top. He will have to be rock solid against Kagiso Rabada. Rabada with the new ball is always a threat. Pace, bounce and movement can trouble any batter. If Dhaliwal survives the early storm, Canada can build a platform. One mistake though, and Rabada will be all over him.

Tristan Stubbs vs Saad Bin Zafar

In the middle overs, Tristan Stubbs will be key for South Africa. He loves taking on spinners and shifting gears. Saad Bin Zafar will need to keep things tight and mix his variations. If Stubbs takes him on successfully, South Africa could run away with the game. If Saad strikes, Canada stay alive.

SA vs CAN: top performers

This is the first time the two sides are meeting. So, there is no record of top performers between these teams in T20Is.

SA vs CAN toss prediction

The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is a batting-friendly surface. The ball comes nicely onto the bat and stroke play is easy once batters get set. Out of 8 T20Is here, teams batting first have won 5 while chasing sides have won 3. Bowlers will need to rely on variations and clever changes of pace. Captains winning the toss will likely choose to bat first and put runs on the board.

SA vs CAN 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay: 51/1

Final score: 177

SA vs CAN 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay: 38/2

Final score: 162

SA vs CAN top players prediction

SA's top players prediction

Probable best batters

Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton

Probable best bowlers

Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj

CAN’s top players prediction

Probable best batters

Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Yuvraj Samra

Probable best bowlers

Kaleem Sana, Saad Bin Zafar, Jaskaran Singh

Who will hit the most sixes in the SA vs CAN Match 9?

Quinton de Kock

Who will hit the most fours in the SA vs CAN Match 9?

Aiden Markram

SA vs CAN Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win Match 9?

South Africa walk into this contest as clear favourites. Their batting depth, pace attack and big-match experience give them a strong edge. Canada will need something special to pull off an upset. If South Africa play to their potential, they should cruise. But if Canada grab early wickets and build pressure, things could get interesting. Still, the Proteas look set to start their T20 World Cup campaign with a win.