Markram Masterclass, Jansen’s Four-For Power South Africa to Dominant Win Over New Zealand

Ahmedabad, Feb 2026 : Skipper Aiden Markram produced a scintillating unbeaten half-century after a devastating spell from pacer Marco Jansen as South Africa cruised to a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in Match 24 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the imposing Narendra Modi Stadium here on Saturday.

South Africa’s emphatic triumph was set up by Jansen’s career-best bowling figures of 4 for 40, which dismantled New Zealand’s top order, before Markram led the chase with a sublime unbeaten 86 off just 44 balls. The Proteas chased down the target of 176 with ease, reaching 178 for 3 in only 17.1 overs, finishing the contest with 17 balls to spare.

With this victory, South Africa registered their third consecutive win of the tournament and moved firmly to the top of Group D with six points. New Zealand, despite the defeat, remain second with four points from three matches. The United Arab Emirates sit third with one win from two games, while Afghanistan and Canada are yet to open their accounts. The convincing nature of the win also gave a significant boost to South Africa’s Net Run Rate, while New Zealand conceded ground in that crucial metric.

After winning the toss and opting to field first on a surface offering early assistance to the pacers, South Africa struck early blows through Jansen. The tall left-armer made an immediate impact, removing Tim Seifert for 13, edging behind to Quinton de Kock, with the score at 33. Jansen then struck twice more in quick succession, dismissing Rachin Ravindra for a brisk 13 and unsettling the New Zealand batting line-up.

New Zealand’s woes deepened when Finn Allen, who had looked threatening with 31 off 17 balls, attempted an ambitious lofted shot only to offer a catch to Markram in the infield. At the end of the power-play, the BlackCaps were reeling at 58 for 3, with Jansen’s fiery spell having set the tone.

Spin further tightened the screws as Keshav Maharaj accounted for Glenn Phillips, who was bowled after inside-edging the ball onto his stumps. At 64 for 4 in the seventh over, New Zealand were staring at the prospect of a below-par total.

However, a spirited fightback followed through Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell, who added 74 runs for the fifth wicket. Chapman played fluently, counter-attacking the South African bowlers with clean striking, while Mitchell provided stability at the other end. Chapman looked set for a half-century but fell just short, becoming Jansen’s fourth victim when he miscued a slower delivery and offered a catch to Ryan Rickelton. He scored an impressive 48 off 26 balls, studded with six fours and two sixes.

Mitchell’s resistance ended when he was caught by Tristan Stubbs off Lungi Ngidi, departing for 32 off 24 deliveries. Skipper Mitchell Santner also failed to make an impact, managing only four runs, as New Zealand slipped to 145 for 7 in the 17th over.

A late flourish from James Neesham, who smashed an unbeaten 23 off just five balls, including two boundaries in the final over, helped New Zealand post a competitive 175 for 7. He was well supported by Matt Henry, who remained unbeaten on nine.

In reply, South Africa’s chase was dominated by Markram’s breathtaking strokeplay. He set the tone early, taking on Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. By the end of the power-play, South Africa had raced to 83 for 1 — their joint-highest power-play score in men’s T20 World Cup history.

Markram shared a brisk 62-run opening partnership with de Kock, followed by useful stands with Rickelton and David Miller. Dropped once by Ferguson off his own bowling, Markram made New Zealand pay dearly, racing to his half-century off just 19 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes.

Even after losing Dewald Brevis, South Africa were never under pressure. Miller played the finisher’s role to perfection, sealing the victory with a towering six in the first ball of the 18th over, as Markram remained unbeaten on a match-winning 86.

The comprehensive nature of the win underlined South Africa’s growing confidence and balance as the tournament progresses, while New Zealand were left with lessons to learn ahead of the business end of the group stage.

Brief Scores:
New Zealand 175/7 in 20 overs (Mark Chapman 48, Daryl Mitchell 32, Finn Allen 31, James Neesham 23*; Marco Jansen 4-40)
South Africa 178/3 in 17.1 overs (Aiden Markram 86*, David Miller 24*; James Neesham 1-15, Lockie Ferguson 1-33)
South Africa won by seven wickets.