Prepare for a heavyweight showdown as the South Africa Proteas launch their title hunt against a fearless Canada squad in Match 9 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Proteas, runners-up in 2024, enter this tournament with a point to prove. While they are heavy favorites, Canada has recently shown they aren't here just to make up the numbers, putting up a resilient fight in their warm-up fixtures. Head-to-Head: A Rare Clash This is a historic moment as both teams have never faced each other in a senior T20 International. Their only competitive history comes from a 2020 U19 World Cup clash. Jan 22, 2020 (U19 WC): South Africa beat Canada by 150 runs. 2026 WC Match 9: This marks their first-ever meeting on the senior T20 world stage. Team Form & Recent Results South Africa (L-W-L-L-W) The Proteas are finding their rhythm. Despite a high-scoring warm-up loss to India, their batting unit looks incredibly dangerous on Indian tracks. Warm-up: Lost to India by 30 runs (Chasing 240, SA finished 210/7). Previous: Defeated India by 5 wickets (2025 Series). League: Lost to West Indies by 8 wickets. Canada (L-L-W-L-W) Canada is looking to sharpen their execution after a competitive warm-up period where their middle order showed significant spark. Warm-up: Lost to Nepal by 6 wickets (Canada 161/6). Previous: Lost to USA by 20 runs. League: Defeated Oman by 12 runs (Late 2025). Players in Focus [[/fighter/quinton-de-kock-quinny/40382/:Quinton de Kock]] (South Africa): The veteran wicketkeeper-batter is back in peak form. His ability to exploit the powerplay is South Africa's greatest weapon in subcontinental conditions. Dilpreet Bajwa (Canada): The Canadian captain is the anchor of their lineup. His leadership and recent tactical shifts in the warm-ups will be tested against one of the world's best pace attacks. Tristan Stubbs (South Africa): Fresh off a blistering 45* in the warm-up against India, "The Finisher" is currently one of the most destructive middle-order batters in world cricket. Shreyas Movva (Canada): The wicketkeeper-batter was a standout in the recent warm-up against Nepal, hitting crucial boundaries at the death. He is Canada's "X-factor" for a late-innings surge.