South Africa cruised to a comfortable victory over New Zealand in a T20 World Cup 2026 game, thanks to Marco Jansen’s first four-wicket haul in the format. His relentless bowling broke the backbone of New Zealand’s batting, leaving them struggling in the middle overs. With the win, South Africa strengthened their chances of finishing at the top of Group D, though the Super Eights fixtures were already predetermined.
New Zealand started aggressively, testing South Africa early. The visitors raced to 33 for 0 in just 3.1 overs and 57 for 1 in 5.1. By 13.5 overs, they were 138 for 4, signaling a serious challenge. But Jansen’s precision kept halting their momentum, and the final seven overs produced only 37 runs as wickets fell regularly.
South Africa’s chase was all about Aiden Markram, who delivered a personal best of 86 off 44 balls. His brilliant hitting finished the game with 17 balls to spare, marking South Africa’s fifth straight T20 World Cup win over New Zealand.
Tim Seifert and Finn Allen began confidently on a pitch that favored batsmen. Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada initially contained them, but Allen quickly launched an assault in the power play. Three fours and a six in the third over off Ngidi set the tone, showing strength and timing rather than complicated shots.
Jansen’s first ball of the night was dispatched for a six by Seifert, but he immediately adapted. Adjusting the field, he bowled a short ball that induced a catch to the keeper. Later in the power play, Jansen struck again, dismissing Rachin Ravindra and Allen. Ravindra edged to short third, while Allen mistimed a slower off-cutter, failing to clear mid-off.
When Keshav Maharaj bowled Glenn Phillips in the seventh over, New Zealand slipped to 64 for 4. Mark Chapman tried to rebuild alongside Mitchell, but only Chapman seemed in control. The duo scored 29 runs in the 11th and 12th overs, nudging the total to 131 for 4 by 13 overs, keeping hopes of 200 alive.
Jansen returned with a knuckleball that completely fooled Chapman, who was 48 off 25 balls. Soon after, Ngidi trapped Mitchell at long-on, and New Zealand lost six wickets with four overs remaining. Only James Neesham managed some late scoring, but 175 appeared insufficient under dewy conditions.
South Africa’s chase was driven by Markram, whose elegant driving made the difference. From the first square drive for four, he looked in complete control. He repeatedly punished both offside and onside deliveries, combining timing and power effortlessly. A standout shot was a six over long-on off Jacob Duffy, showing perfect technique against a short ball.
Markram also set the fastest half-century for South Africa in the T20 World Cups, reaching 50 in just 19 balls. His effort pushed South Africa to their joint-highest powerplay score in the tournament, 83 runs. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton contributed 20 off 14 and 21 off 11, but Markram’s dominance made him the centerpiece of the innings.
With Jansen’s lethal bowling and Markram’s attacking batting, South Africa sent a clear message. New Zealand struggled to cope, and South Africa’s 5-0 record over the Black Caps in T20 World Cups now continues.