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Markram's 86* Powers SA Past NZ in T20 WC, Credits Toss & Jansen

South Africa secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in a crucial ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match in Ahmedabad. Captain Aiden Markram highlighted winning the toss as a key factor, noting the easing conditions for their chase. Markram led from the front with an unbeaten 86, supported by bowler Marco Jansen's 4-wicket haul that restricted New Zealand to 175/7. The win marks South Africa's third in a row, solidifying their top position in the group.

Key Points: SA Beat NZ in T20 WC: Markram Hails Toss, Jansen's 4-Wicket Haul

  • Markram's unbeaten 86 off 44 balls
  • Marco Jansen's career-best 4-40
  • SA's third successive Group D win
  • Toss proved crucial in Ahmedabad conditions
2 min read

T20 WC: 'Important that we got on the right side of the toss', says South Africa's Markram after NZ win

Aiden Markram's 86* and Marco Jansen's 4-40 lead South Africa to a 7-wicket win over New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Read the match report.

"Important that we got on the right side of the toss. Ball came on nicely (in the second innings). - Aiden Markram"

Ahmedabad, Feb 14

South Africa captain Aiden Markram highlighted the important role winning the toss played in his team's rousing seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in a crucial Group D match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, as the conditions had eased out a lot when they batted in the second innings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

While giving credit to winning the toss and eased conditions, Markram also hailed his bowlers, especially left-arm pacer Marco Jansen, who claimed a career-best 4-40 in four overs, as they restricted New Zealand to 175/7 in 20 overs after Markram won the toss and elected to bowl first.

"Important that we got on the right side of the toss. Ball came on nicely (in the second innings). Boys put up a strong effort (to restrict them to that score). You have to try and back the skills you are good at," said Markram in the post-match presentation.

Markram then took charge as he hammered an unbeaten 86 off 44 balls, hitting eight boundaries and four sixes as he shared crucial partnerships with Quinton de Kock (20), Ryan Rickelton (21), and David Miller (24 not out) as the Proteas romped to victory with 17 balls remaining.

Markram accepted that the New Zealand openers were looking very dangerous but praised Jansen, who he said goes underrated, for his fine performance.

"(They are) Very dangerous and intimidating, but the boys were solid with their plans tonight. (On Jansen) Very different left-arm (bowler) bowls different types of deliveries. He has been bowling well, but did not have the numbers to show for it," said Markram.

He said it felt nice to score runs that helped the team win. "It is nice. Ultimately, it is trying to get the team off to a good start. We have a nice and experienced batting order. Up front, you have seen how teams are taking off in the powerplay. Might not come off always, but when it does, you can get ahead of the game," he added.

This was South Africa's third successive win in Group D, and they are leading the group of death in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 with six points. New Zealand are second with four points from two wins.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see a captain be so honest about the toss advantage. Marco Jansen was the real hero for me - 4 wickets on that track is outstanding. New Zealand will be gutted, their batting order looks shaky.
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Ananya R
The "Group of Death" is living up to its name! South Africa looking very strong. But honestly, the toss shouldn't decide matches to this extent. The ICC needs to look at pitches that are more balanced for both innings. Just my two paise.
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Vikram M
What a chase! 86* off 44 is a proper captain's knock. The stadium must have been electric. Good for the tournament that SA is performing, makes it more competitive. Hope the final is in Ahmedabad too, the atmosphere is next level.
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Karthik V
Respect to Markram for acknowledging the toss factor. Many captains wouldn't. But let's not take credit away from the bowlers - restricting NZ to 175 on any Indian ground in a T20 is a good effort. Jansen is a gem.
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Priya S
As a cricket lover, it's slightly disappointing when post-match talk is more about the toss than the skill. The game was fantastic, but the pitch talk overshadows it. Still, congrats to South Africa! Their batting depth is scary good.

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