Marco Jansen lights up Eden Gardens (Source: AFP)
Marco Jansen went solo to keep South Africa’s T20 World Cup glory hopes alive during their innings against New Zealand at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday. As South Africa and New Zealand went up against each other in a T20 World Cup semi-final, Jansen’s unbeaten 30-ball 55, which had two fours and five sixes, helped South Africa to post 169/8 on the board.
More importantly, Jansen came to the crease when South Africa were down and out, struggling at 77/5 in 10.2 overs. He took South Africa to a respectable total, and broke multiple T20 World Cup record in the process.
Marco Jansen Enters Elite South Africa List In T20 World Cups
South Africa are known for having an imfamous tag alongside them – Chokers. However, Marco Jansen made sure all of them are not the same, as he kept on fighting, and notched a memorable half-century in just 27 balls. It was the second-fastest half-century by a South African in ICC T20 World Cup knockouts, with the record being held by Heinrich Klaasen.
Faf du Plessis is third on the list, who got there in 36 balls.
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Fastest 50s for South Africa in T20 World Cup Knockouts (By balls)
- 23 - Heinrich Klassen vs India, Bridgetown, 2024 (Final)
- 27 - Marco Jansen vs New Zealand, Kolkata, 2026 (SF), Tonight*
- 36 - Faf du Plessis vs India, Mirpur, 2014 (SF)
In addition, Jansen went past Matthew Wade’s T20 World Cup record, which he made in his famous 2021 knock against Pakistan. While Wade made 41 not out there after coming at No. 7, Jansen’s unbeaten 55 is the second-highest, only behind Michael Hussey’s 60*, which came way back in 2010.
Highest Individual Scores at Number 7 or Below in T20 World Cup Knockouts
- 60* – Michael Hussey (Australia) vs Pakistan, Gros Islet, 2010 (SF)
- 55* – Marco Jansen (South Africa) vs New Zealand, Kolkata, 2026, Tonight* (SF)
- 41* – Matthew Wade (Australia) vs Pakistan, Dubai (DICS), 2021 (SF)
Moreover, Jansen revived South Africa with the help of Tristan Stubbs, who made 29 runs off 24 balls. They forged a 73-run partnership for sixth wicket, another highest for the country.
Highest Partnerships for 6th or Lower Wickets by South Africa in T20Is
- 73 – Marco Jansen & Tristan Stubbs vs New Zealand, Kolkata, 2026, Tonight*
- 71 – Patrick Kruger & Tristan Stubbs vs West Indies, Tarouba, 2024
- 69 – Mark Boucher & Albie Morkel vs India, Durban, 2007
New Zealand On Charge During Chase Vs South Africa
Coming to chase, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen – who will play for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 – have got off to an excellent start at their upcoming home venue (for a while). They raced to 41 runs in just 3.3 overs, with Seifert batting on 27* off 15 balls while Allen makde 14* off just eight deliveries.
The South African bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, is desperately looking for a breakthrough to keep themselves in the game.
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