Aiden Markram’s sensational unbeaten 86 propelled South Africa to a seven-wicket demolition of New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026’s 24th fixture at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The result cements a third straight win for the Proteas, who top Group D ahead of the second-placed Kiwis (2-1).
South Africa’s form has been impeccable: a 57-run rout of Canada and a super-over squeaker over Afghanistan set the backdrop. New Zealand, batting first post-toss loss, limped to 175/7 despite valiant efforts.
The innings featured a rescue act from Daryl Mitchell (32) and Mark Chapman (48 off 26), their 74-run partnership rescuing from 64/4. Finn Allen smashed 31 off 17, but early strikes by Tim Seifert (13) and Rachin Ravindra (13) hurt. James Neesham’s 23 not out added gloss.
Marco Jansen’s haul of four wickets dismantled the top order, with Ngidi, Maharaj, and Bosch chipping in. South Africa then hunted 176 with clinical efficiency, wrapping it in 17.1 overs.
Markram’s innings was poetry in motion—eight fours and four sixes in 44 balls. He opened with de Kock (20) for 62, linked with Rickelton (21) for 40, Brevis (21) for 29, and closed with Miller (24*) for 47 unbroken.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled; only Ferguson, Neesham, and Ravindra claimed wickets. This performance underscores South Africa’s depth and Markram’s leadership, positioning them perfectly for knockout contention.
With momentum surging, the Proteas are the team to beat in Group D.