South Africa defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets to remain unbeaten in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and secure their place in the Super 8 stage. The Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, continued their dominant form in Group D, toppling the Kiwis in a high-pressure clash.
New Zealand posted a competitive total but struggled to contain the explosive South African batting. Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram set the tone early, racing to 62-0 in the powerplay. De Kock was aggressive, pulling and hooking short deliveries for boundaries, while Markram unleashed a series of back-foot punches and elegant drives, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Ryan Rickelton also joined the assault, hitting a massive 103-meter six over deep mid-wicket, helping South Africa reach 83-1 after the first six overs.
In the middle overs, Markram maintained his dominance, reaching his fifty off just 19 balls, with precise drives, flicks, and a towering six down the ground. Dewald Brevis rotated strike efficiently, complementing Markram’s aggression while keeping the run rate under control. Mitchell Santner and James Neesham tried to apply pressure with tight overs and a few wickets, including Brevis’ dismissal for 21, but South Africa’s batting remained unshaken.
The final overs saw Markram and David Miller continue the onslaught, with Markram striking another crucial 86* and Miller supporting with quick boundaries. Jacob Duffy’s and Lockie Ferguson’s bowling went for boundaries, and wides offered extra scoring opportunities, helping South Africa reach 162-3 comfortably in 16 overs.
South Africa’s all-round performance, led by Markram’s captain’s knock and de Kock’s aggressive start, ensured a 7-wicket win and reinforced their top position in Group D with six points. New Zealand, meanwhile, remain with four points and will aim to recover in their remaining matches to secure the second Super 8 spot.
New Zealand Playing 11: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert(w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
South Africa Playing 11: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
