Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Brief scores: South Africa (178/3 in 17.1 ov) beat New Zealand (175/7 in 20 ov) by 7 wickets in Ahmedabad in a Group D match.
NZ vs SA T20 WORLD CUP 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Marco Jansen’s maiden four-wicket haul in T20Is dismantled two threatening New Zealand surges as South Africa cruised to victory and moved closer to sealing the top spot in Group D of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad.
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The contest lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated group-stage clashes, with nearly 55,000 fans packing the stadium despite it being a non-India fixture. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with a superb unbeaten 86 off just 44 balls, his highest score in T20 Internationals, as South Africa chased down the 176-run target in 17.1 overs. It was also the first successful pursuit in a night match at this World Cup.
David Miller applied the finishing touches in emphatic fashion, pulling the first ball of the 18th over for a towering six to seal a comprehensive seven-wicket win.
The victory extended South Africa’s unbeaten record against the New Zealand national cricket team in T20 World Cups to 5-0. While Super 8 qualification scenarios are largely dependent on teams progressing as expected, momentum at this stage is priceless and South Africa seized it decisively.
With six points from three games, the Proteas are firm favourites to advance. They next face the United Arab Emirates national cricket team, while New Zealand take on the Canada national cricket team in Chennai on Tuesday. Barring a major upset, the Black Caps should also progress. The UAE, on two points, remain mathematically alive but face a near impossible path to the Super 8s.
Playing their third match at the venue, South Africa looked the more settled side. The conditions held no surprises for them and very little worked for New Zealand.
Markram set the tone from the outset, striking eight fours and four sixes at a strike rate close to 200. Quinton de Kock scored 20 off 14 before falling to Lockie Ferguson, while Ryan Rickelton made 21 off 11 to maintain the tempo.
A decisive 40-run burst between Markram and Rickelton carried South Africa past the 100-run mark inside eight overs, effectively breaking the back of the chase. Even after Rickelton and Dewald Brevis departed in quick succession, there was no hint of anxiety.
Markram shifted gears seamlessly, piercing gaps with precision and punishing anything short or overpitched. He brought up his half-century in just 28 balls and ensured the required rate never became a concern. Miller remained unbeaten on 24 and calmly partnered his captain to steer the side home with 17 balls to spare, finishing the game with a powerful six over mid wicket off Ferguson.
Earlier, New Zealand recovered from an early wobble through a counter-attacking 74-run stand between Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell to post 175 for seven against South Africa in their T20 World Cup Group D clash on Saturday.
Asked to bat on a surface offering pace and steep bounce, New Zealand found themselves tested early despite a lively start. Nearly 30,000 spectators turned up for the much-anticipated contest between two unbeaten sides, underscoring the fixture’s significance.
Tim Seifert (13 off 9) signalled intent by launching Marco Jansen for a six, while Finn Allen continued in the same vein, taking on Lungi Ngidi with a towering straight six and a boundary in one over. However, Jansen soon struck back, extracting sharp bounce to have Seifert caught behind by Quinton de Kock.
The left-arm quick then triggered a collapse. Rachin Ravindra (13) fell to a catch by David Miller, and Allen (31 off 17) miscued to captain Aiden Markram as South Africa wrested control. When Keshav Maharaj cleaned up Glenn Phillips (1), New Zealand had slipped to 64 for four inside seven overs.
Although Ngidi (1/34) and Kagiso Rabada (0/27) generated good carry, they could not sustain the pressure consistently, with Ngidi occasionally drifting in line and offering scoring opportunities.
With the innings in danger of unravelling, Chapman and Mitchell mounted a measured response. Chapman led the charge with a fluent 48 off 26 balls, striking six fours and two sixes while rotating the strike effectively. Mitchell (32 off 24) provided the anchor, absorbing pressure before accelerating when required.
The pair took on Markram when he introduced himself into the attack, both clearing the ropes to swing momentum back New Zealand’s way. Their partnership revived the innings and positioned the Black Caps for a strong finish.
South Africa, however, hit back at the death. Jansen returned to remove Chapman just short of a half-century, with Ryan Rickelton completing the catch. Mitchell departed soon after to Ngidi, and Corbin Bosch accounted for Mitchell Santner to stall the late charge.
Jansen emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 4 for 40, while Bosch impressed with a disciplined 1 for 34. Maharaj also played his part with 1 for 24.
A late unbeaten 23 from James Neesham ensured New Zealand finished with a competitive total of 175 for seven.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
