In a dominant display at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, South Africa steamrolled New Zealand by seven wickets in the 24th match of the T20 World Cup 2026. This victory marks a hat-trick of wins for the Proteas, solidifying their position at the top of Group D.
South Africa kicked off their campaign with a 57-run thrashing of Canada, followed by a thrilling super-over triumph against Afghanistan. New Zealand, with two wins from three games, sits in second place but couldn’t withstand the South African onslaught on Saturday.
Opting to bowl after losing the toss, South Africa’s bowlers set up a challenging chase. New Zealand managed 175 for seven in their 20 overs, powered by a gritty 74-run stand for the fifth wicket between Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman. Chapman smashed 48 off 26 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes, while Mitchell added 32.
Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen provided a steady start with 33 runs in 3.2 overs before Seifert fell for 13. Rachin Ravindra chipped in 13, and James Neesham remained unbeaten on 23. Marco Jansen starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, supported by Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, and Corbin Bosch with one each.
Chasing 176, South Africa raced to victory in just 17.1 overs. Captain Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 86 off 44 balls, featuring eight fours and four sixes, was the standout performance. He stitched crucial partnerships, starting with Quinton de Kock for 62 in 4.4 overs, then Ryan Rickelton (21), Dewald Brevis (21), and finally David Miller (24 not out) for an unbroken 47.
De Kock laid the foundation with 20 before perishing, but Markram’s masterclass ensured South Africa crossed the line comfortably. New Zealand’s Loki Ferguson, James Neesham, and Rachin Ravindra picked up a wicket each, but it was too little too late.
This win boosts South Africa’s net run rate and keeps their unbeaten streak alive, setting the stage for a fierce group stage battle.