Aiden Markram’s South Africa continued their dream run in the T20 World Cup 2026, overpowering New Zealand by seven wickets in match number 24 at Narendra Modi Stadium. Topping Group D now, the Proteas owe much to Marco Jansen’s destructive bowling.
New Zealand posted 175/7, but Jansen’s 4/40 in four overs scripted their downfall. The left-arm paceman’s unique release point and variations shattered partnerships at vital junctures. Markram gushed, ‘His angle from the left is unique, combined with height and clever changes. It’s huge for us. Those wickets disrupted their flow in key overs, even if overall stats don’t reflect it fully.’
South Africa’s chase was clinical, masterminded by Markram’s unbeaten 86 (44 balls, 8×4, 4×6). They won with 17.1 overs spare. ‘Winning the toss was key. Bowlers toiled on a flattening pitch to cap them low. Full team effort, with sharp execution against explosive openers,’ the captain analyzed.
On his innings, Markram was pragmatic: ‘Felt good, but priority is team start. Line-up’s seasoned with power. T20 powerplays are attack mode; we must match it. Wins like this give us the edge.’
This performance highlights South Africa’s evolution under Markram. Jansen’s growth as a white-ball enforcer, paired with batting nous, positions them as serious contenders. Fans will watch keenly as group stages heat up.