By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa’s opening batsman Aiden Markram and seamer Lungi Ngidi, have been named in the T20 World Cup 2026 team of the tournament.
The side was selected by a panel comprising West Indies great Ian Bishop, former England captain Eoin Morgan, coach-turned-commentator Natalie Germanos, ICC representative Gaurav Saxena and senior Sri Lankan journalist Rex Clementine.
Markram struck three half-centuries, proving particularly effective in Ahmedabad, scoring 86* against New Zealand in the group stage and 82* against the West Indies in the Super Eights.
The captain also contributed with the ball, providing an early breakthrough against India by dismissing Ishan Kishan in the first over.
Ngidi began the tournament in superb fashion with figures of 4-31 against Canada and added two more three-wicket hauls during the campaign. Although he went wicketless against India, he kept the scoring in check by conceding just 15 runs from his four overs.
The fast bowler used his experience, variations and slower ball effectively on largely batting-friendly pitches.
Winning team, India, have four players in the select XI, while former local cricketer Shadley van Schalkwyk, who now plays for the USA and starred with the ball at the tournament, was named 12th man.
Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani, who took 4/17 in his team’s win against Australia, made the side as one of the fast bowlers.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament:
Sahibzada Farhan, Sanju Sansom (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Aiden Markram (capt), Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Jason Holder, Jasprit Bumrah, Lungi Ngidi, Adil Rashid, Blessing Muzarabani; 12th player: Shadley van Schalkwyk.