SA vs CAN Dream11 Prediction for 9th Match, Group D of ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Get verified expert picks, playing XI, pitch report, weather updates, and best fantasy team for South Africa vs Canada at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on February 9, 2026.
Introduction
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 enters its third day with a highly anticipated Group D clash as South Africa takes on Canada in Match 9 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This encounter represents a classic David versus Goliath battle, with South Africa bringing their arsenal of world-class talent against Canada’s emerging cricket program.
South Africa enters this tournament as one of the title favorites despite their heartbreaking final loss in 2024. With explosive batters like Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, combined with a lethal pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the Proteas possess all the tools to dominate. However, their recent form against India in December 2025 showed some vulnerabilities that Canada might look to exploit.
Canada, making their second consecutive World Cup appearance, qualified by winning all six matches in the Americas Regional Final. Led by captain Dilpreet Bajwa, they’ll be eager to prove they belong on cricket’s biggest stage. Their warm-up matches showed mixed results, but the team has the potential to spring surprises.
For Dream11 enthusiasts, this match offers intriguing possibilities. While South African stars are obvious captaincy choices, Canada’s budget players could provide differential value in Grand Leagues. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM LOCAL time (1:30 PM GMT) today.
Match Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | South Africa (SA) vs Canada (CAN) |
| Match | 9th Match, Group D |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Date & Time | February 9, 2026 |
| Format | T20 International |
| Streaming (India) | JioHotstar |
| TV Broadcast (India) | Star Sports Network |
| Stadium Capacity | 132,000 (World’s Largest) |
| Toss | Yet to happen |
Pitch Report: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Nature | Batting-friendly surface with consistent bounce |
| Soil Type | Mix of red soil and black soil pitches |
| Spin vs Pace | 68% of wickets taken by pacers in T20Is; spin becomes effective in middle overs |
| Average 1st Innings Score (T20I) | 145-155 runs |
| Average 2nd Innings Score (T20I) | 127-135 runs |
| Straight Boundaries | ~75 meters |
| Square Boundaries | ~62-67 meters |
| Chasing Record | Teams batting first won 6 out of 10 T20Is |
| Recommended Strategy | Bat first to post competitive total; dew minimal compared to other Indian venues |
Fantasy Impact Analysis
The Narendra Modi Stadium provides a balanced contest between bat and ball. The red soil pitches offer true bounce, allowing batters to play their shots confidently. Opening batsmen who capitalize on the powerplay can accumulate significant points, making players like Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton valuable assets.
Pace bowlers dominate at this venue, taking nearly 70% of all wickets in T20Is. This makes South Africa’s express pace trio of Rabada, Nortje, and Ngidi prime picks for Dream11 teams. The new ball movement and bounce extracted from the surface often results in early wickets.
Spinners come into play during the middle overs when the pitch begins to grip slightly. All-rounders who can bowl economical spells become crucial. The square boundaries being shorter (62-67m) favor powerful hitters targeting that region, while straight boundaries at 75m require precise timing.
For fantasy purposes, prioritize top-order batters and opening bowlers. Death-over specialists also hold value as teams look to defend or chase totals in the final five overs.
Weather Update
| Parameter | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24-28°C |
| Conditions | Clear skies, sunny |
| Rain Probability | 0% (No rain expected) |
| Humidity | 45-50% |
| Wind Speed | 10-14 km/h |
| Dew Factor | Minimal (Ahmedabad has low dew factor compared to other cities) |
Effect on Play
Perfect weather conditions are expected throughout the match. Clear skies with temperatures in the comfortable mid-20s will provide ideal playing conditions. Unlike venues like Kolkata or Mumbai, Ahmedabad experiences minimal dew even during night matches due to its semi-arid climate.
The low humidity and minimal dew mean the pitch and ball should remain relatively dry throughout, giving no significant advantage to the team batting second. Both pace and spin bowlers should be able to grip the ball effectively in all phases. This forecast favors balanced team selection rather than loading up on second-innings specialists.
Recent Form: South Africa
Last 5 T20I Matches (Most Recent First)
| Match | Opponent | Date | Result | Margin | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs India (5th T20I) | Dec 19, 2025 | Lost | 30 runs | India 231, SA 201 |
| 2 | vs India (4th T20I) | Dec 14, 2025 | No Result | Abandoned | Fog in Lucknow |
| 3 | vs India (3rd T20I) | Dec 13, 2025 | Lost | 7 wickets | SA 117 all out |
| 4 | vs India (2nd T20I) | Dec 11, 2025 | Won | 51 runs | SA 213/4, India 162 |
| 5 | vs India (1st T20I) | Dec 9, 2025 | Lost | 101 runs | SA’s lowest score: 74 all out |
Series Result: India won 3-1 (with 1 no result)
Warm-Up Match
- vs India (Feb 4, 2026 in Navi Mumbai): Lost by 30 runs
- India: 240/5 (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45)
- South Africa: 210/7 (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45*, Aiden Markram 38 retired out)
Form Analysis: South Africa’s recent form raises concerns. They struggled significantly against India in December 2025, including their lowest-ever T20I score of 74 in the opening match. The warm-up defeat suggests batting lineup vulnerability against quality bowling. However, their dominant 51-run victory in the 2nd T20I showed their potential when firing on all cylinders. Expect them to bounce back strongly against Canada.
Recent Form: Canada
Warm-Up Matches
| Match | Opponent | Date | Result | Margin | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs Italy | Feb 2, 2026 | Won | 10 runs | Canada posted competitive total |
| 2 | vs Nepal | Feb 5, 2026 (Chennai) | Lost | 6 wickets | Canada 161/6, Nepal 162/4 in 18 overs |
Detailed Performance (vs Nepal):
- Canada: 161/6 in 20 overs (Navneet Dhaliwal 41, Shreyas Movva 38*)
- Nepal: 162/4 in 18 overs (Aasif Sheikh 58, Sundeep Jora 44)
Form Analysis: Canada showed fighting spirit in their warm-up fixtures. The victory against Italy demonstrated their ability to defend totals, while the narrow loss to Nepal (chasing team won with 2 overs to spare) revealed batting depth issues. Key performers Navneet Dhaliwal and Shreyas Movva will need to step up against South Africa’s formidable attack. Their bowling showed discipline but lacked the cutting edge required to dismiss quality opposition quickly.
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 0 |
| First-Ever Meeting | YES – This is their maiden T20I encounter |
H2H Analysis
This historic fixture marks the first-ever T20 International between South Africa and Canada. With no previous encounters to analyze, form guide and player quality become the primary predictors. South Africa enters as heavy favorites given their ICC ranking (#4 in T20Is) compared to Canada (#23). The absence of historical data means Canada has nothing to lose and everything to gain, potentially playing with freedom while South Africa manages expectations.
Ground Stats: Narendra Modi Stadium (T20I Format)
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 10 |
| Batting First Wins | 6 (60%) |
| Chasing Wins | 4 (40%) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 145 runs |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 127 runs |
| Highest Team Total | 201/5 |
| Lowest Team Total | 92 all out |
| Most Wickets by Pacers | 68% |
| Most Wickets by Spinners | 32% |
Ground Impact: Contrary to popular belief about Indian pitches favoring chasing, the Narendra Modi Stadium has historically favored teams batting first in T20Is (60% win rate). The 18-run difference in average scores between innings suggests setting a target provides a psychological and tactical advantage. The high percentage of pace wickets (68%) makes express bowlers like Rabada and Nortje extremely valuable.
Chasing Records at This Venue (T20I)
| Factor | Stats |
|---|---|
| Success Rate | 40% (4 wins out of 10 chases) |
| Average Score Chasing | 127 runs |
| Dew Factor Impact | Minimal – Ahmedabad’s semi-arid climate limits dew formation |
| Tactical Advantage | Batting first slightly preferred |
Team News & Injury Updates
South Africa
- Ruled Out:
- Tony de Zorzi (hamstring injury)
- Donovan Ferreira (fractured left clavicle)
- Doubtful: David Miller (adductor muscle injury – fitness test required)
- Replacements: Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs added to squad
- Team Status: Near full-strength squad available
- Expected Changes: If Miller passes fitness test, plays; otherwise Jason Smith steps in
Canada
- Ruled Out: None
- Doubtful: No injury concerns reported
- Team Status: Full-strength squad available
- Expected Strategy: Likely to field their strongest XI unchanged from warm-ups
Probable Playing XI
South Africa (SA) – Expected Lineup
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Miller (if fit) / Jason Smith
- Marco Jansen
- Corbin Bosch
- George Linde
- Kagiso Rabada
- Anrich Nortje
- Lungi Ngidi
Impact Players: Dewald Brevis, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka
Canada (CAN) – Expected Lineup
- Navneet Dhaliwal
- Yuvraj Samra
- Dilpreet Bajwa (c)
- Nicholas Kirton
- Shreyas Movva (wk)
- Kanwarpal Tathgur
- Ravinderpal Singh
- Ansh Patel
- Kaleem Sana
- Harsh Thaker
- Dilon Heyliger
Impact Players: Ajayveer Hundal, Jaskarandeep Buttar
Dream11 Prediction Section
Small League Strategy
Objective: Build a safe team with high floor and consistent performers
Core Players (7-8 slots):
- Quinton de Kock (wk) – Powerplay specialist, guaranteed 25-50 points
- Aiden Markram (c) – Anchor batter, leadership bonus
- Ryan Rickelton – In-form, scored twin 40s in warm-up
- Kagiso Rabada – Premium pacer, wicket-taker in all phases
- Anrich Nortje – Express pace, bounce on this pitch suits him
- Marco Jansen – Genuine all-rounder value
- Tristan Stubbs – Middle-order stability
Budget Picks (3-4 slots from Canada):
- Shreyas Movva (wk) – Showed form with 38* vs Nepal
- Navneet Dhaliwal – Experienced, scored 41 vs Nepal
- Kaleem Sana – Lead pacer, could exploit early conditions
Captain: Quinton de Kock
Vice-Captain: Aiden Markram
Alternate C/VC: Kagiso Rabada
Grand League Strategy
Objective: Take calculated risks for high ceiling and low ownership
Differential Picks:
- Corbin Bosch (5-8% ownership) – All-rounder, can bat aggressively
- George Linde (8-12% ownership) – Spin option, handy lower-order batter
- Dilpreet Bajwa (3-5% ownership) – Captain, opens batting, leadership motivation
- Nicholas Kirton (2-4% ownership) – Middle-order, capable of big hits
- Dilon Heyliger (1-3% ownership) – Wicket-taking bowler
High-Ceiling Picks:
- Ryan Rickelton (Captain choice) – Lower ownership than De Kock, similar upside
- David Miller (if he plays) – Proven match-winner, could be under-owned due to injury doubts
- Ansh Patel – Young talent, unpredictable impact
Balanced Grand League XI:
- WK: Quinton de Kock
- Batters: Ryan Rickelton, Dilpreet Bajwa, Nicholas Kirton
- All-Rounders: Marco Jansen, George Linde, Ansh Patel
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Kaleem Sana, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker
Captain: Ryan Rickelton (15-20% ownership differential)
Vice-Captain: Marco Jansen (all-round impact)
Player Categories
Safe Picks (High Floor, Guaranteed Points)
- Quinton de Kock – Wicketkeeper points + Powerplay runs
- Aiden Markram – Captain + Anchor role
- Kagiso Rabada – Consistent wicket-taker
- Anrich Nortje – Pace and bounce effectiveness
- Marco Jansen – Dual contribution
Risky Picks (High Ceiling, Variable Performance)
- Corbin Bosch – Unproven at this level
- Dilpreet Bajwa – Pressure of captaincy
- Nicholas Kirton – Inconsistent
- George Linde – Spin may not be as effective
- Harsh Thaker – Lack of experience against quality opposition
Must-Have Picks (Essential in Every Team)
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Aiden Markram (batter)
- Kagiso Rabada (bowler)
Budget Picks (Value for Money, Under 8.5 Cr)
- Shreyas Movva (~7.5 Cr) – Wicketkeeper option
- Navneet Dhaliwal (~7.5 Cr) – Experienced batter
- Kaleem Sana (~7.0 Cr) – Lead Canadian bowler
- Ansh Patel (~7.0 Cr) – All-rounder potential
- Ravinderpal Singh (~7.0 Cr) – Batting all-rounder
Key Player Analysis
Batters
Quinton de Kock (SA): Left-handed wicketkeeper-batter renowned for aggressive starts. Averages 40+ in T20 World Cups with strike rates exceeding 145. Targets square boundaries effectively and punishes width. Against associate nations, he’s particularly dominant.
Ryan Rickelton (SA): Rising star who forced his way into the squad with twin centuries in SA20. Scored 44 in the warm-up game, showing adaptability to Indian conditions. Keeps wicket, providing dual value.
Aiden Markram (SA): Captain and anchor batter. Technical proficiency allows him to pace innings while accelerating when needed. His sweep shots against spin are world-class. Leadership points add fantasy value.
Tristan Stubbs (SA): Middle-order batter with power-hitting capability. Recently returned to form after lean patch. Can clear boundaries on both sides and finish innings strongly.
Dilpreet Bajwa (CAN): Canadian captain and opening batter. Responsible for setting the tone. Will face quality new-ball bowling but could capitalize if South Africa’s pacers bowl loosely.
Navneet Dhaliwal (CAN): Veteran middle-order batter (37 years old). Scored 41 against Nepal in warm-up. Experience could help navigate difficult periods against Rabada and Nortje.
All-Rounders
Marco Jansen (SA): Left-arm pace bowler who generates steep bounce from his height (6’8″). Can swing the new ball and bowl aggressive bouncers. Lower-order hitting provides bonus points. Genuine match-winner.
George Linde (SA): Left-arm spinner and lower-order batter. Economical in middle overs, containing run flow. Batting cameos provide upside. Useful on pitches offering turn.
Corbin Bosch (SA): Medium-pace all-rounder. Son of former cricketer Tertius Bosch. Can contribute with both bat and ball but relatively inexperienced at this level.
Ansh Patel (CAN): Young all-rounder capable of contributing in both departments. Risky pick but potential match-winner if he fires.
Ravinderpal Singh (CAN): Batter who can bowl off-spin. Provides depth and flexibility to Canadian lineup.
Bowlers
Kagiso Rabada (SA): World-class fast bowler. Generates pace (140+ km/h) and movement. Death-over specialist with excellent yorker execution. Top wicket-taker in multiple tournaments. Must-have pick.
Anrich Nortje (SA): Express pace bowler capable of touching 150 km/h. Bounce and speed trouble batters. Powerplay threat who can break partnerships. Injury history is only concern.
Lungi Ngidi (SA): Skillful seamer with subtle variations. New-ball movement and controlled aggression in death overs. Slightly injury-prone but effective when fit.
Kaleem Sana (CAN): Canada’s premier pace bowler. Will lead the attack and need to deliver early breakthroughs to keep South Africa in check. Budget-friendly option.
Harsh Thaker (CAN): Bowler who provides variation in Canadian attack. Needs to bowl economically and pick crucial wickets.
Dilon Heyliger (CAN): Pace bowler with potential to surprise. Low ownership makes him interesting Grand League differential.
Expert’s Verdict: Captain/Vice-Captain Picks
Captain: Quinton de Kock (Small League)
De Kock represents the safest captaincy choice for this match-up. His explosive approach in powerplay overs (first 6 overs) historically yields 30-50 runs at strike rates above 150. Against associate nations like Canada, who lack express pace or quality spin, he’s positioned to exploit loose deliveries ruthlessly.
The Narendra Modi Stadium’s shorter square boundaries (62-67m) perfectly suit his cut and pull shots. In T20 World Cups, de Kock averages 42.5 with three fifties. Wicketkeeping points (catches, stumpings) add a safety net ensuring minimum 20-25 points even on off-days.
Canada’s bowling attack lacks the teeth to trouble him early, making a 60-80 Dream11 point performance highly probable. For risk-averse players in Small Leagues, he’s the obvious choice.
Vice-Captain: Aiden Markram (Small League)
Markram’s dual role as captain and batting anchor provides reliability. His technical soundness allows him to accumulate runs consistently while rotating strike. Against spin (which Canada will likely employ in middle overs), his sweep and reverse-sweep shots are exceptionally effective.
Leadership points from catches, tactical decisions, and motivating the team add 5-10 bonus points. In the T20I series against India, he showed resilience even when others failed. His ability to assess conditions and pace his innings makes him ideal for vice-captaincy, offering a 50-70 point floor.
Alternative Captain: Ryan Rickelton (Grand League)
For Grand Leagues seeking differentiation, Rickelton presents compelling value. His recent twin centuries in SA20 (113 off 63 and 113 off 60) demonstrate purple patch form. The warm-up knock of 44 showed he’s comfortable in Indian conditions.
Lower ownership (projected 20-30% vs De Kock’s 60-70%) creates rank-climbing potential. As an opening batter, he’ll face the same advantageous matchup against Canada’s new-ball bowlers. His wicketkeeping adds bonus points similar to De Kock. For aggressive Grand League strategists willing to fade public ownership, Rickelton offers 80-100 point upside with lower risk than picking a Canadian player.
Match Prediction
| Team | Win Probability |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 90% |
| Canada | 10% |
Strength Comparison
South Africa’s Advantages:
- Batting: Top-order firepower (De Kock, Rickelton, Markram) vastly superior
- Bowling: World-class pace trio of Rabada, Nortje, Ngidi
- Experience: Multiple ICC tournament veterans
- Fielding: Athletic and agile unit with excellent catching
- Depth: Quality bench strength with impact players
Canada’s Challenges:
- Batting: Lack of proven performers against elite bowling
- Bowling: No bowlers with express pace or international pedigree
- Experience: Limited exposure to high-pressure ICC events
- Depth: Bench lacks international quality
Canada’s Slim Hopes:
- Early wickets: If Sana/Heyliger dismiss De Kock and Rickelton cheaply
- Middle-overs spin: Exploiting any complacency from South African batters
- Batting surprises: Dhaliwal, Bajwa, or Kirton producing career-best knocks
Final Neutral Prediction
South Africa should dominate this fixture comprehensively. Their superior quality across all departments makes any other outcome highly unlikely.
Predicted Scoreline:
- If SA Bats First: South Africa 185-190, Canada 110-120 (SA wins by 70-75 runs)
- If SA Chases: Canada 135-145, South Africa 146/3 in 16-17 overs (SA wins by 7 wickets)
Most Likely Outcome: South Africa wins by significant margin, reinforcing their status as Group D favorites while Canada gains valuable experience against top-tier opposition.
Final Dream11 Team (Balanced Small League)
Team Composition (1-4-3-3 Formation)
Wicketkeeper (1):
- Quinton de Kock
Batters (4):
- Ryan Rickelton
- Aiden Markram
- Tristan Stubbs
- Navneet Dhaliwal
All-Rounders (3):
- Marco Jansen
- George Linde
- Ansh Patel
Bowlers (3):
- Kagiso Rabada
- Anrich Nortje
- Kaleem Sana
Captain: Quinton de Kock (2x points)
Vice-Captain: Aiden Markram (1.5x points)
Team Strategy
This balanced lineup prioritizes South Africa’s proven performers (8 players) while including 3 budget-friendly Canadian options for value and differential potential. The 1-4-3-3 formation ensures batting depth while maintaining quality bowling options.
Rationale:
- De Kock and Rickelton provide explosive opening partnership potential
- Markram and Stubbs offer middle-order stability
- Dhaliwal is Canada’s best batting prospect
- Jansen and Linde provide all-round contributions
- Ansh Patel is budget differential with upside
- Rabada and Nortje are must-have pace bowlers
- Kaleem Sana leads Canada’s attack and offers budget savings
This team works across both Small and Grand Leagues with minor tweaks based on risk appetite.
FAQs
1. Who will win the SA vs CAN match?
South Africa is heavily favored with a 90% win probability. Their superior talent, experience, and recent international exposure against top teams make them overwhelming favorites. Canada faces a monumental challenge and would need multiple South African failures coupled with their best-ever performances to compete.
2. Who are the best Dream11 picks for SA vs CAN?
Must-have picks: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (batter), Kagiso Rabada (bowler), Marco Jansen (all-rounder). Value picks: Shreyas Movva (wk), Navneet Dhaliwal (batter), Kaleem Sana (bowler). Differential picks: Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, Dilpreet Bajwa.
3. Who should be Captain and Vice-Captain for SA vs CAN Dream11?
Small League: Captain – Quinton de Kock (safest, highest floor), Vice-Captain – Aiden Markram (consistent anchor).
Grand League: Captain – Ryan Rickelton (form-based differential), Vice-Captain – Marco Jansen (all-round impact).
Aggressive Option: Captain – Kagiso Rabada (if expecting Canada batting collapse).
4. What is the pitch report for Narendra Modi Stadium?
The Narendra Modi Stadium offers a batting-friendly surface with consistent bounce, favoring those who bat first historically (60% win rate in T20Is). Pace bowlers take 68% of wickets due to bounce and movement. Average first-innings score is 145-155 runs. Square boundaries (62-67m) are shorter than straight boundaries (75m). Minimal dew impact unlike other Indian venues.
5. Which team is in better form—SA or CAN?
South Africa is significantly superior despite recent losses to India. Their quality opposition (India ranked #1) and competitive performances show class. Canada’s wins came against Italy and qualification matches against associate nations. The gulf in quality, experience, and current form heavily favors South Africa.
6. What is an alternative Dream11 team for SA vs CAN?
Alternative Grand League Team (Differential-Heavy):
WK: Shreyas Movva
Batters: Ryan Rickelton, Dilpreet Bajwa, Nicholas Kirton, Tristan Stubbs
All-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Ravinderpal Singh
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Dilon Heyliger
Captain: Ryan Rickelton | Vice-Captain: Marco Jansen
This high-risk team maximizes Canadian representation (6 players) for massive differential value. Only suitable for Grand Leagues where contrarian strategies can yield massive rank gains if Canada performs better than expected or if lower-owned South Africans deliver.
Disclaimer
All predictions, team suggestions, and analyses are based on verified data, recent form, and expert assessment as of February 9, 2026. Fantasy sports outcomes depend on actual match performance, which can be unpredictable. Injuries, team changes, and toss decisions can significantly impact results. Please verify final team lineups before the match and create Dream11 teams responsibly. This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We encourage responsible fantasy sports participation.
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