Dilon Heyliger lit up the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with a moment of fielding brilliance during Match No. 9 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, pulling off a sensational boundary-line catch to dismiss South Africa captain Aiden Markram on February 9. While the Proteas went on to dominate the contest, Heyliger’s effort stood out as one of the finest catches of the tournament so far and briefly lifted Canadian spirits on a tough evening.
The stunning dismissal arrived in the 12th over of South Africa’s innings. Ansh Patel delivered a straight ball that Markram, in imperious touch, launched high and long towards the long-on boundary. The shot seemed destined for six, but Heyliger read the trajectory early, sprinted across to his left, and timed his leap to perfection.
With inches to spare, he plucked the ball out of the air just inside the rope, showing remarkable body control to avoid brushing the boundary cushions. The crowd erupted as the Canadian fielder completed a highlight-reel grab that brought an end to Markram’s explosive 59 off 32 balls, an innings laced with 10 boundaries and a towering six.
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Despite that moment of magic in the deep, South Africa were largely in control. The Proteas posted an imposing 213/4, registering their sixth 200-plus total in Men’s T20 World Cup history — the most by any team. Markram’s leadership from the front set the platform, while the middle order ensured the momentum never dipped.
A stunner from Dilon Heyliger! 🤯
When Canada needed something special to send back Aiden Markram, he delivered in style. 💪
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #SAvCAN | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/3LPOCPHkGW pic.twitter.com/1fzXsPnOsL
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 9, 2026
For Canada, Ansh Patel was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/31, providing rare breakthroughs on a batting-friendly surface. In reply, Canada showed fight but never truly threatened the target, finishing on 156/8. Opener Navneet Dhaliwal top-scored with a composed 64, battling against a disciplined South African bowling attack.
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However, Lungi Ngidi’s incisive spell through the middle overs broke the back of the chase. The right-arm pacer claimed 4/31 to earn the Player of the Match award as South Africa sealed a comfortable 57-run victory.The Proteas will now turn their attention to their next Group fixture against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad, while Canada will look to regroup quickly ahead of their clash with the United Arab Emirates in Delhi.
