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Markram's Record 19-Ball Fifty Powers SA to Victory Over NZ in T20WC

South Africa secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, successfully chasing a target of 176 runs. Captain Aiden Markram led the charge with an unbeaten 86, including the fastest T20 World Cup fifty by a South African batter. Opener Quinton de Kock reached a significant milestone, becoming the first Proteas player to score 3,000 runs in T20 Internationals. The win strengthens South Africa's position for a spot in the tournament's Super Eight stage.

Key Points: Markram's Fastest SA T20WC Fifty, de Kock Hits 3000 Runs

  • Markram hits fastest SA T20WC fifty
  • de Kock first SA to 3000 T20I runs
  • SA chase 176 with 7 wickets in hand
  • Marco Jansen takes 4/40 for SA
  • Victory strengthens SA's Super Eight case
2 min read

Markram cracks SA's fastest T20WC fifty; de Kock becomes first Proteas' batter with 3,000 T20I runs

Aiden Markram's record 19-ball fifty and Quinton de Kock's 3000 T20I runs milestone lead South Africa to a 7-wicket win over New Zealand.

"Markram went on to crack a 19-ball fifty, smashing the ball brutally as ever and looking silky smooth while driving the ball. - Match Report"

Ahmedabad, February 15

South African captain Aiden Markram slammed the fastest half-century by a Proteas batter in T20 World Cup history, while opener and wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock became the first SA batter to reach the 3,000 T20I runs mark during their side's win over New Zealand on Saturday.

South Africa solidified their case for Super Eight, outclassing the Kiwis by seven wickets in a successful chase of 176 runs at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.

Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl first. They reduced NZ to 64/4, despite opener Finn Allen (31 in 17 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) firing runs. Mark Chapman (48 in 26 balls, with six fours and two sixes) and Daryl Mitchell (32 in 24 balls, with two fours and a six) put on a 74-run stand, while James Neesham (23* in 15 balls, with three fours) played a fiery cameo to power Kiwis to 175/7, with Marco Jansen (4/40 in four overs) being the pick of the bowlers for Proteas.

During the run-chase, Markram and Quinton de Kock fired right from ball one, putting up a stand of 62 runs in 4.4 overs, untill QDK (20 in 14 balls, with three fours) and a six was dismissed. The wicketkeeper-batter did more than enough to complete 3,000 T20I runs, having made 3,018 runs in 105 matches and 104 innings at an average of 31.76, with a strike rate of 142.42, with two centuries and 19 fifties and a best score of 115.

Markram went on to crack a 19-ball fifty, smashing the ball brutally as ever and looking silky smooth while driving the ball. His fifty outclassed QDK's 21-ball effort against England at the Wankhede in 2016.

The Proteas skipper stayed unbeaten at 86* in 44 balls, with eight fours and four sixes, with Ryan Rickelton (21 in 11 balls, with two fours and a six), Dewald Brevis (21 in 17 balls, with a four and six) and David Miller (24* in 17 balls, with a four and a six) playing cameos to chase down the total in 17.1 overs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
De Kock reaching 3000 runs is a huge milestone, but honestly, his innings was a bit of a letdown today. Got a start and threw it away. Markram carried the team beautifully though. Great to see such power-hitting at the Narendra Modi Stadium!
R
Rohit P
SA's batting is on fire! But as an Indian fan, I'm more worried about our bowling attack if we face them. Jansen took 4 wickets too. They have a very balanced side. Hope our boys are watching 👀
S
Sarah B
That 19-ball fifty is insane! The strike rate in T20 is just getting crazier every tournament. Makes for such exciting cricket. Well played, South Africa.
K
Karthik V
Good win for SA, but New Zealand's total was below par on that wicket. 175 is not enough in Ahmedabad these days, the pitch was a belter. Chapman and Mitchell tried, but the top order failed. SA's chase was clinical.
M
Michael C
Impressive all-round performance. Marco Jansen with 4 wickets and then the batters finishing it early. They are saving their net run rate, which is very smart in a group stage. Smart cricket.

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