Three South Africans have been named in the ICC’s Dream Team of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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.
Opening batsman Aiden Markram and seamer Lungi Ngidi were included after helping the Proteas reach the semi-finals.
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.
NKWE: Proteas must address mental issues
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.
ALSO: Six memorable T20 World Cup moments
The third South African in the team – as 12th man – is Shadley van Schalkwyk, who impressed for his adopted nation, the USA.
Van Schalkwyk started the tournament with a four-wicket haul against India, leaving the co-hosts in trouble at 77-6 before they recovered. He followed that with another outstanding display, claiming 4-25 against Pakistan.
The 37-year-old finished the group stage as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps from four matches.
Photo: Prakash Singh/Getty Images





