Markram, Jansen help Proteas seal third win on the trot
The win boosts South Africa's Super Eight chances as they lead the group with six points with a game in hand
By Alam Zeb Safi
AHMEDABAD: A blistering half-century from captain Aiden Markram and a four-wicket haul by Marco Jansen steered South Africa to their third successive victory when they inflicted a seven-wicket defeat on New Zealand in their Group D clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.
Chasing 176 under lights at the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa raced to 178 for three in just 17.1 overs, sealing victory with 17 balls to spare and strengthening their position in the group.
Earlier, Jansen’s 4-40 had checked New Zealand’s momentum and restricted them to 175 for seven after a promising start.
New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen launched aggressively, helping their side to 58 for three in the powerplay despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Allen struck 31 off 17 balls, while Rachin Ravindra contributed a brisk 13.
Jansen proved decisive, removing Seifert, Allen, Ravindra and later Mark Chapman, who top-scored with a fluent 48 off 26 deliveries. His strikes reduced New Zealand to 64 for four inside seven overs and ensured they never fully capitalised on the platform.
Chapman and Daryl Mitchell (32) rebuilt with a 74-run partnership for the fifth wicket, lifting New Zealand past 100 in the 11th over. But once Chapman fell at the end of the 14th over, the innings lost impetus.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj chipped in with one wicket, while Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch claimed one apiece as South Africa’s attack mixed pace and spin effectively at the death. James Neesham’s unbeaten 23 off 15 balls pushed New Zealand to a competitive total, but it proved insufficient.
South Africa’s response was emphatic.
Markram exploded out of the blocks, bringing up a 19-ball half-century – one of the fastest of the tournament – as South Africa plundered 83 runs in the powerplay. He struck eight fours and four sixes in a dazzling 86 not out from 44 balls.
Quinton de Kock made 20 in a rapid opening stand of 62 before falling to Lockie Ferguson, but Ryan Rickelton (21 off 11) and Dewald Brevis (21 off 17) kept the scoring rate soaring.
South Africa surged past 100 inside eight overs and, even after losing two wickets in quick succession, Markram anchored the chase with composure. David Miller’s unbeaten 24 provided the finishing touches as the pair added an unbroken 47 to close out the game comfortably.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain the early onslaught, with Jacob Duffy conceding 50 in three overs. Ferguson and Neesham picked up a wicket each, but the target was quickly eroded by South Africa’s relentless strokeplay.
The victory earned South Africa two vital points in Group D, while New Zealand were left to rue a middle-overs slowdown and an inability to stem Markram’s assault.
Summarised Scores
New Zealand 175/7 (20 overs)
Mark Chapman 48 (26), Daryl Mitchell 32 (24), Finn Allen 31 (17), James Neesham 23* (15), Tim Seifert 13 (9), Rachin Ravindra 13 (8);
Marco Jansen 4-40 (4 overs), Keshav Maharaj 1-24 (3), Lungi Ngidi 1-34 (4), Corbin Bosch 1-34 (4).
South Africa 178/3 (17.1 overs)
Aiden Markram 86* (44), David Miller 24* (17), Ryan Rickelton 21 (11), Dewald Brevis 21 (17), Quinton de Kock 20 (14);
Lockie Ferguson 1-33 (3.1), James Neesham 1-15 (2), Rachin Ravindra 1-9 (1).
South Africa won by 7 wickets (with 17 balls remaining).
