Minnows have competed strongly at the T20 World Cup; are the Proteas in for a surprise?
Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee (L) celebrates with captain Rohit Paudel after taking the wicket of England's Sam Curran during the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 8, 2026. Picture: Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP
Image: Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP
The minnows have already made a big impression in the opening weekend of the T20 World Cup, and it begs the question: Could South Africa have their work cut out against Canada on Monday?
The Proteas take on Canada in Ahmedabad on Monday afternoon, with the match beginning at 3.30pm SA time.
So far, the Netherlands, Scotland, USA, Nepal, and Ireland were all in action over the weekend, and there were nearly a number of big shocks.
In the opening match of the tournament on Saturday, the Netherlands posted a handy 147 with the bat, and Pakistan only got over the line with three balls to spare and with just three wickets in hand.
Cricket World Cup highlights: Scotland’s near Upset, India’s comeback, Nepal’s close call, and Proteas vs. Canada
In the next match, against the West Indies, Scotland gave it their all in their pursuit of 183 to win before falling short by 35 runs.
It was then time to witness what was almost one of the biggest upsets in Cricket World Cup history. The mighty India, tournament co-hosts, welcomed the USA to Wankhede to make a statement about their title hopes.
What ensued could scarcely be believed as SA-born Shadley van Schalkwyk claimed incredible figures of 4/25 to help reduce India to 77/6 in the 13th over.
However, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav helped India launch a phenomenal comeback with an unbeaten knock of 84 from 49 to rescue his side as they posted a decent total of 161/9. Ultimately, the USA fell 29 runs short in their chase.
At six down though, it looked as though one of the biggest upsets in world cricket was on the cards.
It was the turn of Nepal to pull a fast one over England. Though England posted an imposing 184 first tup, Nepal looked well-set to chase down their victory target late in the contest as they needed 14 runs from nine balls. Ultimately, they fell an agonising four runs short, as England held on for a nail-biting win.
The Proteas though, should be too strong for Canada. But based on what we’ve seen so far, that might not be the case.
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