After a nerve-wracking win against Afghanistan, South Africa clinched an easy 7-wicket win against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad on February 14. Chasing a target of 176, South Africa finished at 178/3 in just 17.1 overs, with captain Aiden Markram producing a record-breaking innings of 86* off 44 balls. The Proteas dominated the match in all departments, with Markram’s explosive batting and Marco Jansen’s four-wicket haul highlighting South Africa’s performance. New Zealand Sets a Competitive Total New Zealand, batting first, managed 175/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Mark Chapman top-scored with 48 runs from 26 balls, striking 6 fours and 2 sixes at a phenomenal strike rate of 184.61. Finn Allen (31 off 17) and Daryl Mitchell (32 off 24) provided solid support in the middle order. However, the innings was disrupted by early wickets, with Tim Seifert falling for 13 in the 4th over and Rachin Ravindra departing shortly after. Marco Jansen was the star with the ball for South Africa, claiming 4 wickets for 40 runs, while Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch took one wicket each, keeping New Zealand under pressure. Extras were minimal, with only 1 leg-bye conceded. New Zealand’s innings included notable DRS-reviewed dismissals and a few rapid partnerships, but the Proteas bowlers ensured the total stayed within reach for the chase. Fielding was something exceptional from the Proteas, to which, too, the Kiwis had no answer. Read also: Watch: Lockie Ferguson breaks QdK's stumps with leg-cutter in SAvsNZ clash South Africa’s Dominant Chase Chasing 176, South Africa launched an aggressive powerplay, scoring 83/1 in the first six overs, equalling their highest-ever T20 World Cup powerplay total. Quinton de Kock contributed 20 off 14 balls before being dismissed by Lockie Ferguson, who impressed with a slow leg cutter. Ryan Rickelton (21 off 11) and Dewald Brevis (21 off 17) kept up the scoring rate, while Markram’s blistering innings included 8 fours and 4 sixes, reaching a 50 in just 19 balls—the fastest T20 World Cup fifty for South Africa. David Miller remained unbeaten on 24 from 17 balls, helping complete the chase with 17 balls to spare. South Africa now leads Group D with 2 wins, while New Zealand remains winless, highlighting the Proteas’ formidable form in the ongoing tournament.