South Africa Emerge Group of Death Leaders After Huge Win Over New Zealand in Ahmedabad

South Africa beat New Zealand in Match 24. [Source - AFP Photos]

South Africa continued their dominant run in the T20 World Cup 2026 with a clinical seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in Match 24 of the tournament. Producing a composed all-round performance, the Proteas outplayed New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Here, we take a look at the complete highlights of Match 24 of the T20 World Cup 2026 between South Africa and New Zealand, as the action unfolded in Ahmedabad.

Marco Jansen’s powerplay burst halts New Zealand’s flying start

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand raced to 58 inside the powerplay, looking set for a massive total, but lost three wickets as well. Marco Jansen played a massive role in it, striking three times and removing both in-form openers.

Finn Allen dazzled briefly with 31 off 17 but failed to convert his explosive start. Despite the setbacks, New Zealand refused to slow down and the risk-heavy approach cost them another key wicket as Glenn Phillips fell to Keshav Maharaj soon after the powerplay.

Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman then came together and stitched a crucial partnership to stabilise the innings. Showing composure under pressure, the duo rebuilt carefully while keeping the scoreboard ticking. Their effort ensured New Zealand reached 92 at the halfway mark without losing another wicket, restoring balance.

South Africa keep New Zealand quiet, restricting them to a below-par total

With composure restored, the Kiwis attempted to shift gears, taking on both spinners and pacers to rebuild momentum. Just as they found some big overs, Marco Jansen returned to deliver another crucial breakthrough. Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi then applied immense pressure, drying up runs.

New Zealand never truly recovered from the squeeze, managing only a couple of late blows from James Neesham. The innings eventually closed at a below-par 175, falling short of what could have been easily a past 200 total. South Africa enjoyed a commanding day with the ball, with Jansen finishing 4/40 on what has been a very good wicket to bat on in Ahmedabad in this T20 World Cup.

Aiden Markram blitzkrieg powered South Africa over the line

Chasing 176, South Africa exploded from the start, racing to 83 inside the powerplay. Aiden Markram was unstoppable, taking on New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers and setting the tone early. Quinton de Kock did fall inside the powerplay after the 62-run opening partnership, but Markram continued the onslaught.

Ryan Rickelton joined Markram and contributed a quickfire 21 off 11 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Mitchel Santner attempted to slow the innings with some clever bowling, but Markram was relentless, reaching his half-century in just 19 deliveries and keeping South Africa firmly in control of the chase.

Markram remained unbeaten on 86 off 44, guiding South Africa to a comfortable victory with more than two overs to spare. The skipper’s aggressive innings thrilled the 50,000-strong Ahmedabad crowd, as South Africa completed a perfect three-in-three start, showing a far more commanding performance than their previous double super over win against Afghanistan.