South Africa has secured their spot in the Super 8 stage of the T20I World Cup 2026 with a stellar seven-wicket win over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 14.
A dominating spell from Marco Jansen (4/30) and then a blistering knock from Aiden Markram played the key role in the Proteas’ dominating show over the BlackCaps in Ahmedabad.
Marco Jansen Destroys New Zealand Top Order in Powerplay Masterclass
Jansen completely changed the game with a brutal opening spell that tore apart the New Zealand top order. After Tim Seifert and Finn Allen had looked like they could take the game away with their 33, run opening stand, the towering left-arm seamer was packing in the fourth over and immediately took command.
The 25-year-old’s tactical genius rolled out in full later on in the innings when he came back to break the 74-run partnership between Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell. Just when New Zealand looked like a total exceeding 200, Jansen went ahead of a perfectly set Chapman with a well-hidden knuckleball at the second drinks break. This crucial wicket allowed South Africa to choke the scoring at the end with Jansen walking off with career-best T20I figures of 4/40.
Aiden Markram Shines With Willow
Skipper Markram led from the front like a true leader and never left the centre of the action throughout the match. After a tireless first innings during which he was constantly moving and directing his bowling attack from mid off, Markram changed effortlessly to the crease to lead a clinical chase. His unbeaten 86 from just 44 balls was the final, gun difference, extremely elegant boundaries and excellent strike rotation defining the innings that also kept the required run rate comfortably in check.
As the men in charge were so dominant, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, and David Miller were able to play loosely and carefree. All of them contributed with important 20s to the captain’s support.
What Next For New Zealand?
New Zealand has a tough road ahead if they want to make it to the Super 8 stage after losing to South Africa. They need to win by a big margin against Canada in the last group game if they still want to have a chance. They not only have to win, but they also need the UAE to lose their next two games so that the upset can be avoided.
