South Africa stormed into the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding seven-wicket win over New Zealand in Match 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Match Analysis

Put in to bat, New Zealand failed to fully capitalise and were restricted to 175 in their 20 overs. In reply, South Africa made a mockery of the chase, cruising to the target in just 17.1 overs to seal their third straight victory in style.

New Zealand had a poor start to their innings as Marco Jansen troubled them with the new ball. Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra fell early, and to add salt to their wounds, Finn Allen (31:17b, 4x4, 2x6), who looked good, fell with New Zealand losing three wickets in the powerplay.

Glenn Phillips also failed to make a mark, but it was Mark Chapman (48:26b, 6x4, 2x6) and Daryl Mitchell (32:24b, 2x4, 1x6) who bailed the side out of trouble with their 74-run stand.

In the end, James Neesham (23 not out:15b, 3x4) played a vital hand that powered New Zealand to a fighting total of 175 for seven.

The Chase

South Africa were off to a rollicking start with the bat, thanks to their captain Aiden Markram (86 not out:44b, 8x4, 4x6), who hit a 19-ball half-century and carried his bat through. Quinton de Kock (20:14b, 3x4, 1x6) supported well at the start as South Africa had a solid opening stand of 62 runs.

Ryan Rickelton (21:11b, 2x4, 1x6) and Dewald Brevis (21:17b, 1x4, 1x6) played their part as South Africa put New Zealand under immense pressure.

Markram looked a class apart as he stayed unbeaten, while David Miller (24 not out:17b, 1x4, 1x6) did the finisher’s role as South Africa chased the target with seven wickets in hand. 

Match Summary

New Zealand vs South Africa, 24th Match

New Zealand 175/7 (20 ov)

South Africa 178/3 (17.1 ov)

South Africa won by 7 wickets

Points Table

A stunning knock from Aiden Markram powers South Africa to a thumping win over New Zealand ??

??: https://t.co/ZiO0px17kl pic.twitter.com/h3mgtgtKqa

— ICC (@ICC) February 14, 2026

Match Stats

New Zealand Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Tim Seifert - 3.2 ov), 2-57 (Rachin Ravindra - 5.2 ov), 3-58 (Finn Allen - 5.5 ov), 4-64 (Glenn Phillips - 6.4 ov), 5-138 (Mark Chapman - 13.6 ov), 6-141 (Daryl Mitchell - 15.3 ov), 7-145 (Mitchell Santner - 16.4 ov)

South Africa Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Quinton De Kock - 4.4 ov), 2-102 (Ryan Rickelton - 7.4 ov), 3-131 (Dewald Brevis - 11.4 ov)

Wagon Wheel

Playing XI

New Zealand 

South Africa 

Match Details:

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026 13:30

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Toss: South Africa elected to bowl

Umpires:  Paul Reiffel (Australia) Roly Black (Ireland) Rod Tucker (Australia TV

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (India)

Weather

Smoke, smoke
Temperature 30°C, Humidity 17%
Wind Speed 3.44 mph, Clouds 9%

Pitch

Pitch Condition - Fast & Bounce
Batting Condition - Average
Pace Bowling Condition - Pace & Bounce
Spin Bowling Condition - Average

© Cricket World 2026