South Africa Triumph Over New Zealand in Dominant Chase at T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand by 7 wickets in the 24th match of Group D at the Narendra Modi Stadium, chasing down 176 with 17 balls to spare in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. 

After South Africa won the toss and elected to field first, New Zealand posted a competitive 175/7 in their 20 overs. Marco Jansen starred with the ball for the Proteas, claiming career-best figures of 4/40, dismantling the Kiwi top and middle order with key wickets including Finn Allen (31), Rachin Ravindra (13), Tim Seifert (13), and Mark Chapman (48). Chapman provided resistance with a quick 48 off 26 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes), while James Neesham remained unbeaten on 23 off 15 towards the end.

New Zealand's innings featured a solid powerplay of 58 runs but lost early wickets, falling to 64/4 before a 74-run partnership between Chapman and Daryl Mitchell (32) steadied them. 

However, South Africa's disciplined bowling, including Lungi Ngidi (1/34) and Corbin Bosch (1/34), restricted further momentum.In reply, South Africa raced to 178/3 in just 17.1 overs at a run rate of 10.37. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with an explosive unbeaten 86 off 44 balls (8 fours, 4 sixes), anchoring the chase with aggressive strokeplay. 

Quinton de Kock contributed 20 off 14, Ryan Rickelton 21 off 11, and Dewald Brevis 21 off 17, while David Miller finished unbeaten on 24 off 17.Marco Jansen's early breakthroughs and Markram's blistering half-century (reached in just 19 balls according to reports) highlighted South Africa's dominance. The Proteas lost wickets at regular intervals but never let the required rate climb, sealing a comprehensive victory.

This result strengthens South Africa's position in Group D, showcasing their batting firepower and bowling depth in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.