New Zealand vs South Africa Commentary
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New Zealand vs South Africa Commentary
NZ vs SA Match 24 Commentary - Ahmedabad (14 February 2026)
New Zealand
175-7 (20.0)
Match Ended
South Africa beat New Zealand by 7 wickets
South Africa
178-3 (17.1)
NZ • 1st innings
175/7
SA • 2nd innings
178/3
All
Overs
W
6s
4s
17.1
6
Lockie Ferguson to David Miller
SIX! A statement finish by David Miller. The Proteas make it three wins in three matches and remain glued to the top spot with 6 points. A juicy half tracker by Lockie, on top of off. David Miller gets on top of the bounce and authoritatively sends it sailing behind deep mid-wicket for a cracking six to seal the deal for his team. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 7 WICKETS AND 17 BALLS TO SPARE!
16.1
5
Matt Henry to Aiden Markram
Sloppy, very sloppy! A leg cutter, on a length, on middle. Aiden Markram plays with soft hands and eases it to mid on for a single. Mitchell Santner scoots to his right from mid off and intercepts the ball. He then releases the throw to the keeper's end, where Miller sways away from the firing line, and Seifert is blindsided by David standing in front. He is late to react and the ball gets past him. It beats short fine leg to his left and races away to the fence.
16.2
1
Matt Henry to David Miller
Back of a length outside the off stump. Miller stands tall looks to punch it on the off side, but gets a thick outside edge that rolls to the left of short third for a single.
16.3
1
Matt Henry to Aiden Markram
Another overthrow from Santner, and he’s left scratching his head! Full on off, Markram drills it to mid off. Miller sets off but is sent back, and with the Kiwi skipper missing the direct hit, they sneak through for a run.
16.4
1
Matt Henry to David Miller
Short and slow on the bodyline, David Miller waits on it and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
16.5
1
Matt Henry to Aiden Markram
Good length on the stumps. Markram clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.
16.6
1
Matt Henry to David Miller
Slower one banged into the pitch on off. Miller swats it away to deep mid-wicket and jogs through for a single, but he and Henry nearly collide at the bowler’s end as the throw comes in. A brief mix-up and plenty of smiles after.
Till Now Score: 172/3
(17 Overs)
D Miller
18(16)
A Markram
86(44)
M Henry
4-0-38-0
Over 17 ·172 Runs
5
1
1
1
1
1
15.1
2
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
Slower length ball, on the leg stump line. Aiden Markram plays off the back foot and eases it to the right of long on for a couple of runs as Mitchell cuts it off. 150 up for South Africa!
15.2
4
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
FOUR! That's a quality shot! Another pace off ball by Duffy, short and on middle and leg. Aiden Markram shimmies down a bit and heaves it perfectly in the gap, bisecting long on and deep mid-wicket fielders for a boundary. Markram moves to 77 (39), just 9 runs behind his highest T20I score.
15.3
1
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
On a back of a length, over middle, Aiden hangs deep in the crease and nudges it to deep square leg for a single.
15.4
4
Jacob Duffy to David Miller
FOUR! Precise placement! Duffy lands a slower one halfway into the pitch, on top of off. David Miller pauses for the ball to arrive and then powers it with a pull shot to deep mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.
15.5
1WD
Jacob Duffy to David Miller
WIDE! Far outside off, on a fuller length, David lets it be as it breaches the guideline.
15.5
1
Jacob Duffy to David Miller
Short and slow, around off, David Miller swats it down to long on for a single.
15.6
1
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
Much fuller, on the pads, Aiden Markram chips it on the bounce to the long on fielder for one more. South Africa need 14 more runs.
Till Now Score: 162/3
(16 Overs)
A Markram
79(41)
D Miller
15(13)
J Duffy
3-0-50-0
Over 16 ·162 Runs
2
4
1
4
1WD
1
1
14.1
1
Mitchell Santner to David Miller
Very full, at the toes, knocked to long on for a single.
14.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
This is slowed down and away from the batter's arc, on a nagging length. Aiden Markram drags it on the bounce towards Santner, who leaps to his right and gets a hand on it. It deflects behind for a single.
14.3
2
Mitchell Santner to David Miller
Shorter and turning in, on middle. Miller makes room and cuts it off the stumps behind point. Jacob Duffy tumbles to his left there but lets it through, allowing the second run to be taken.
14.4
1
Mitchell Santner to David Miller
Spears it in, on middle, Miller works this full ball to long on for a run.
14.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Flat and short, around the off stump, Aiden looks to punch it through covers but mishits it back to the bowler.
14.6
1
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Quicker through the air, short and on top of off, Aiden dabs it to backward point, where Lockie Ferguson is on the edge of the ring. He is caught on his heels and the batters pinch in a quick single.
Till Now Score: 148/3
(15 Overs)
A Markram
71(37)
D Miller
10(11)
M Santner
4-0-33-0
Over 15 ·148 Runs
1
1
2
1
0
1
13.1
1
Lockie Ferguson to David Miller
Across off, on a good length, Miller whips it down the ground to long on for one.
13.2
1
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
Off-cutter, into the surface, on middle. Aiden stands tall and nurdles it in the vacant mid-wicket region. They think about the second run but the fielder in the deep charges in and keeps it to a single.
13.3
0
Lockie Ferguson to David Miller
Fuller and angling away, David Miller firms the drive but picks out the catching cover fielder.
13.4
1
Lockie Ferguson to David Miller
Pace off and on a shortish length, on off. David swivels and goes hard on the pull. Toe-ends it to long on and turns the strike over.
13.5
0
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
No shot offered! Ferguson angles it in at the hips. Aiden Markram thinks about glancing it away but then withdraws his bat. The ball clips his thigh pad and races down to the deep fine leg fence. Since there was no shot offered by Markram, the boundary will not count.
13.6
1WD
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
Wide! Lockie Ferguson digs it short, over middle. Aiden Markram arches back to play the upper cut but misses. Wide given for height.
13.6
0
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
DROPPED! Lockie Ferguson cannot cling on! Angled in, on a length, on middle. Aiden Markram swings hard at it to force it down the ground. The ball comes off the inner half and goes flat towards the bowler. Ferguson tries to take the catch to his right around his waist on the follow-through, but fails to hold onto it.
Till Now Score: 142/3
(14 Overs)
A Markram
69(34)
D Miller
6(8)
L Ferguson
3-0-27-1
Over 14 ·142 Runs
1
1
0
1
0
1WD
0
12.1
0
Mitchell Santner to David Miller
On a nagging length, on top of off. Miller angles it to backward point. Aiden is keen for a single, but David sends him back.
12.2
1
Mitchell Santner to David Miller
Drops it short, on middle. Miller swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.
12.3
1WD
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Wide! Mitchell Santner tosses it up, full and outside off, Aiden Markram reaches out to unleash the drive but the ball spins past his blade. A tight call but it has been given as a wide.
12.3
1
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Short and on off, Markram slaps it hard to cover, where James Neesham gets a hand to it on the dive to his left. Saves a certain boundary. Just a single.
12.4
1
Mitchell Santner to David Miller
Santner keeps it slow, short and on off, tapped to long on for one more.
12.5
1
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
A bit quick, short and around off, Aiden cuts it square on the off side and crosses over.
12.6
1
Mitchell Santner to David Miller
Fires it in, full and on middle, Miller eases it to long on for another single.
Till Now Score: 138/3
(13 Overs)
D Miller
4(5)
A Markram
68(31)
M Santner
3-0-27-0
Over 13 ·138 Runs
0
1
1WD
1
1
1
1
11.1
1
Rachin Ravindra to Dewald Brevis
Short and sliding on with the arm. Brevis hops back and punches it to deep cover for a single.
11.2
1
Rachin Ravindra to Aiden Markram
This is slowed down but the length stays short, on middlle. Aiden clips it through mid-wicket and crosses over.
11.3
6
Rachin Ravindra to Dewald Brevis
SIX! Pumped down the ground! Fractionally short, around off. Brevis makes use of the depth of the crease and thumps it flat. It goes to the right of the man at long off for a six.
11.4
W
Rachin Ravindra to Dewald Brevis
OUT! TAKEN! Dewald Brevis tries to repeat the dose, but it does not come off for him. Cleverly bowled by Ravindra, expecting Brevis to dance down the track. He drags the length back and bowls it slower through the air, on off. Dewald jumps out of his crease and swings despite being nowhere near the pitch of the ball. One hand comes off the bat handle and it is skied off the toe end to long on. Daryl Mitchell moves to his left and settles under it to gobble it up. South Africa are 3 down for 131.
11.5
1
Rachin Ravindra to David Miller
Sliding across the left-hander, on a length, Miller reaches out and crunches the drive to deep cover. A single for David to open his account.
11.6
0
Rachin Ravindra to Aiden Markram
Shorter and on off, Aiden Markram keeps it out with a straight bat.
Till Now Score: 132/3
(12 Overs)
A Markram
66(29)
D Miller
1(1)
R Ravindra
1-0-9-1
Over 12 ·132 Runs
1
1
6
W
1
0
10.1
1
Matt Henry to Aiden Markram
Overpitched, on off, Markram carves it through covers for a single.
10.2
0
Matt Henry to Dewald Brevis
Spears it full and attacks the middle and leg stump. Dewald Brevis drags his bat in front to block, but the bat twists at the point of contact and the ball gets lobbed to the left of the bowler and lands safely.
10.3
0
Matt Henry to Dewald Brevis
Full at 132.5 kph, on off, Dewald Brevis presents a straight bat and hits it back to the bowler.
10.4
0
Matt Henry to Dewald Brevis
Big swing and a miss! Henry generates extra bounce with pace, short and outside off, Dewald Brevis tries to pull, but is beaten all ends up due to the bounce.
10.5
2
Matt Henry to Dewald Brevis
On a hard length, outside off, Dewald Brevis punches it off the back foot, and gets it through cover. Glenn Phillips charges to his right from deep point and cuts it off in the deep. Two taken.
10.6
1
Matt Henry to Dewald Brevis
Full and straightish line, on the pads, Dewald Brevis flicks it wide of mid on for a single to retain the strike.
Till Now Score: 123/2
(11 Overs)
D Brevis
14(14)
A Markram
65(27)
M Henry
3-0-28-0
Over 11 ·123 Runs
1
0
0
0
2
1
9.1
1
James Neesham to Aiden Markram
A leg cutter, full and on leg, Aiden Markram chips it through the vacant mid on region for a single.
9.2
0
James Neesham to Dewald Brevis
Back of a length, outside off, Dewald Brevis hops off and punches it to the cover fielder.
9.3
1
James Neesham to Dewald Brevis
Hard length, just outside off, Dewald Brevis plays off the back foot and square cuts it to deep point for a single.
9.4
1
James Neesham to Aiden Markram
Around off, on a length, Aiden Markram gets on top of it and slashes it to deep point for another run.
9.5
1
James Neesham to Dewald Brevis
Takes pace off, short, over middle. Brevis gets across and dinks it behind square on the leg side for a single.
9.6
1
James Neesham to Aiden Markram
Short and with pace, outside off, Aiden Markram is hurried by the pace and bounce and heaves it off the inner half to deep mid-wicket. Another single. At the halfway mark, South Africa are 119/2, needing 57 more.
Till Now Score: 119/2
(10 Overs)
A Markram
64(26)
D Brevis
11(9)
J Neesham
2-0-15-1
Over 10 ·119 Runs
1
0
1
1
1
1
8.1
1
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Short and around off, cut away to deep point for a single.
8.2
2
Mitchell Santner to Dewald Brevis
Flat and short, on off, Dewald punches it hard and wide of the diving cover fielder. He collects a couple of runs before the deep fielder tidies up.
8.3
1
Mitchell Santner to Dewald Brevis
Darted in, fuller and on middle, Brevis hits it down to long on and crosses over.
8.4
1WD
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Wide! Well wide on off, on the shorter side. Aiden Markram lets it go.
8.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Quicker and shorter, on off, Aiden presses deep in the creaese and punches it to long off for a run.
8.5
0
Mitchell Santner to Dewald Brevis
Shorter and outside off, turning away. Dewald reaches out and pats it to cover.
8.6
2
Mitchell Santner to Dewald Brevis
Pushed through, full and around off, Dewald angles the bat face and works it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.
Till Now Score: 114/2
(9 Overs)
D Brevis
9(6)
A Markram
61(23)
M Santner
2-0-21-0
Over 9 ·114 Runs
1
2
1
1WD
1
0
2
7.1
1
James Neesham to Ryan Rickelton
On a good length, on middle and leg. Ryan Rickelton taps it to long on for a single.
7.2
4
James Neesham to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Skilful shot! In the channel, on a short of a length. Aiden uses the pace by opening the bat face and threads the gap between short third and backward point for a boundary.
7.3
1
James Neesham to Aiden Markram
Honing in on the off stump, on a short of a length, punched to long on for one.
7.4
W
James Neesham to Ryan Rickelton
OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! That's a fantastic catch by Mitchell in the deep. Slower ball by Neesham, fullish in length and outside off. Rickelton is early into the shot and it lobs off the toe-end. Mitchell settles under it at long on, moving to his left. He realises he’s close to the rope, and shows good awareness as he lobs it up, steps back in, and completes the catch.
7.5
4
James Neesham to Dewald Brevis
FOUR! Just for a moment, Brevis had his heart in his mouth. Short and wide outside off. Stubbs goes after it straightaway, pulling it flat and hard towards deep mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips is a few yards inside the ropes. He leaps for it, but it just sails over him, lands in front of the cushion, and rolls over for four.
7.6
0
James Neesham to Dewald Brevis
On a good length, on the off stump. Dewald punches it to cover.
Till Now Score: 106/2
(8 Overs)
D Brevis
4(2)
A Markram
59(21)
J Neesham
1-0-10-1
Over 8 ·106 Runs
1
4
1
W
4
0
6.1
2
Mitchell Santner to Ryan Rickelton
Drops it full and on middle, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second run. The throw comes in towards the bowler, but Santner fails to gather it cleanly and that allows Markram to scoot through.
6.2
1
Mitchell Santner to Ryan Rickelton
Full and flighted on middle, Ryan Rickelton gets on the front foot and eases it with the flick to deep mid-wicket for one more.
6.3
1
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Drags the length back, on middle, Aiden Markram hangs deep in the crease and nudges it between mid-wicket and square leg for a single.
6.4
1
Mitchell Santner to Ryan Rickelton
Flatter on a length, sliding across off, Ryan Rickelton rocks back and slaps it to deep cover for a singe.
6.5
2
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
Good length ball sliding in and around off. Markram backs away, gives himself room and then hits towards deep backward point for two.
6.6
6
Mitchell Santner to Aiden Markram
SIX! FIFTY UP FOR AIDEN MARKRAM. Off just 19 balls. A truly astonishing knock from the Proteas skipper so far, keeping South Africa firmly in control of the chase. Santner lands it full and on middle with a good bit of flight. Aiden Markram leans on and thumps it straight down the ground for a cracking six to get to his milestone.
Till Now Score: 96/1
(7 Overs)
A Markram
54(19)
R Rickelton
20(9)
M Santner
1-0-13-0
Over 7 ·96 Runs
2
1
1
1
2
6
5.1
0
Jacob Duffy to Ryan Rickelton
Back of a length, around off, Ryan Rickelton plays off the back foot and punches it to cover-point, but cannot get it through.
5.2
4
Jacob Duffy to Ryan Rickelton
FOUR! Up and over! A bit of a slower one, around off on a fuller length. Ryan Rickelton stretches in front, waits on it, and he lofts it over mid off to find the fence.
5.3
4
Jacob Duffy to Ryan Rickelton
FOUR! Just on the bounce! Jacob goes full and on middle, Ryan Rickelton gets under it and pumps it down the ground for a boundary. The replay shows that the ball just yorked the boundary cushions.
5.4
6
Jacob Duffy to Ryan Rickelton
SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Duffy drags the length back, on leg, Ryan Rickelton presses in front and whips it aerially over deep square leg for a massive six. That's the 5th six of the inning already for South Africa.
5.5
1
Jacob Duffy to Ryan Rickelton
Back of a length, around off, Ryan Rickelton dabs it between backward point and short third for a quick single.
5.6
1WD
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
WIDE! Bangs it in halfway into the pitch, angling down leg. Aiden Markram bails out of the pull shot as it goes over his head.
5.6
0
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
Overpitched at 133.2 kph, on middle, Aiden backs away, exposes the stumps, takes it on the full and carves it to cover, but finds the fielder in the ring. At the end of the Powerplay, South Africa are 83/1.
Till Now Score: 83/1
(6 Overs)
A Markram
45(16)
R Rickelton
16(6)
J Duffy
2-0-36-0
Over 6 ·83 Runs
0
4
4
6
1
1WD
0
4.1
0
Lockie Ferguson to Quinton de Kock
A big swing and a miss! Ferguson steams in from around the wicket and begins with an off-pace ball, on a good length, outside off. Quinton puts his head down and swings through but fails to connect.
4.2
0
Lockie Ferguson to Quinton de Kock
Full at pace and honing in at the sticks, clipped to mid-wicket.
4.3
0
Lockie Ferguson to Quinton de Kock
Nearly trickled back onto the stumps! Ferguson spots Quinton back away and he tries to follow him. It comes out as a low full toss, de Kock has a swing across the line. Gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball sneaks past the leg stump before going towards the keeper.
4.4
W
Lockie Ferguson to Quinton de Kock
OUT! TIMBER! The change of angle works for Lockie Ferguson. He switches to over the wicket and floats up the leg-cutter, in line with the leg stump. Quinton heaves across the line. The ball drops on him and goes past the inside edge before hitting the leg pole. The brisk 62-run opening stand is broken. South Africa need 114 more.
4.5
1
Lockie Ferguson to Ryan Rickelton
Rickelton was gone had the throw hit! Ferguson bowls it on a length, on middle. This is punched on the up to mid off by Ryan and he sets off for the run. Mitchell Santner moves to his left, picks the ball up with his left hand and gets rid of the ball quickly. He is struggling to make his ground but luckily for him, the throw misses the stumps.
4.6
4
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Quality shot! On a back of a length, around off, Aiden stands tall and gets on top of the bounce before punching it through covers for a boundary.
Till Now Score: 67/1
(5 Overs)
A Markram
45(15)
R Rickelton
1(1)
L Ferguson
2-0-23-1
Over 5 ·67 Runs
0
0
0
W
1
4
3.1
0
Matt Henry to Quinton de Kock
Lowish full toss, outside off, Quinton toe-ends the drive to cover.
3.2
0
Matt Henry to Quinton de Kock
Good work! Angling across off, on a good length, Quinton cuts it hard but James Neesham dives to his left at backward point and saves at least a couple of runs for his side.
3.3
4
Matt Henry to Quinton de Kock
FOUR! Pulled away! Henry bangs it in short but the height does not trouble the batter at all. It is under the left armpit. Quinton swivels on the back foot and pulls it hard behind square. He beats the diving Rachin Ravindra in the deep for a four.
3.4
0
Matt Henry to Quinton de Kock
Pace off by Henry, on a back of a length, outside off. Quinton flashes hard at it but the ball kicks up a bit to go over the blade.
3.5
6
Matt Henry to Quinton de Kock
SIX! More of the top edge, but Quinton de Kock will take it. A well-directed short ball, at the bodyline of the batter. Quinton pivots to take the short ball on. He fails to get on top of it but goes through with the hook. Gets a top edge that sails over the deep fine leg fence for a six.
3.6
1
Matt Henry to Quinton de Kock
Slower one, on a good length, on off, de Kock punches it wide of cover for one.
Till Now Score: 62/0
(4 Overs)
de Kock
20(10)
A Markram
41(14)
M Henry
2-0-24-0
Over 4 ·62 Runs
0
0
4
0
6
1
2.1
0
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
Duffy bowls it on a back of a length, outside off. The width is there for Aiden to cash in but he goes a bit too hard at the ball. Ends up chopping it down on the off side.
2.2
6
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
SIX! Effortless hit! Off-cutter, fuller and angled in, on middle and leg. Markram presents the full face of the blade and just holds his shape. Lofts it over the man at mid on for a six.
2.3
6
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
SIX! Aiden Markram is putting on a show here! Duffy hits the deck hard, over middle and leg. Markram rises with the bounce and just launches it on the up towards wide long on for a biggie.
2.4
4
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Off the edge! The runs keep flowing. Duffy follows Markram with a hard-length delivery. Aiden gets his hands high to punch it away. Gets an outside edge that races fine of short third for a boundary.
2.5
0
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
On a length, angled in at the pads. Markram looks to whip it away but misses and gets rapped on the front pad.
2.6
4
Jacob Duffy to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Easy pickings! 20 runs off the over. South Africa have raced to 51 in 3 overs. Duffy sprays it on the pads, on a length, Markram glances it fine of the man at short fine leg for another boundary.
Till Now Score: 51/0
(3 Overs)
A Markram
41(14)
de Kock
9(4)
J Duffy
1-0-20-0
Over 3 ·51 Runs
0
6
6
4
0
4
1.1
6
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
SIX! Shot of the night! Ferguson errs in line and length, a bit of shape back in. Markram gets the width to free his arms and he extends his hands into the lofted drive. Plays it over cover and picks up a six.
1.2
4
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
FOUR! No slip and it races away! Tailing back in, on a good length, in line with the off pole. Markram pushes out in front of his body with a straight bat. The ball holds its line and Markram is squared up. Gets an outside edge that goes to the left of short third for a four. Don't think it would have carried if there had been a slip.
1.3
1
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
Hurls it on a hard length, over off, Aiden stands tall and steers it behind point for a single.
1.4
1WD
Lockie Ferguson to Quinton de Kock
Wide! Lockie switches to around the wicket and sprays it down leg. Quinton de Kock swings to play the pick-up shot but misses. A good diving take to his right by Tim Seifert.
1.4
4
Lockie Ferguson to Quinton de Kock
FOUR! Beautiful! Ferguson bowls it on a length, outside off, Quinton transfers the weight onto the front foot and creams the drive through extra cover for a four.
1.5
1
Lockie Ferguson to Quinton de Kock
Good cricket! Ferguson delivers it on a back of a length, on off. De Kock drops it with soft hands beside the strip on the off side and scampers through for a quick run.
1.6
1
Lockie Ferguson to Aiden Markram
Dipping slower ball, on the fuller side. Markram clips it off the legs in front of mid-wicket. A bit of hesitation, but the batters eventually go through. 18 runs off the 2nd over, South Africa are off to a flying start.
Till Now Score: 31/0
(2 Overs)
A Markram
21(8)
de Kock
9(4)
L Ferguson
1-0-18-0
Over 2 ·31 Runs
6
4
1
1WD
4
1
1
Lockie Ferguson to operate from the opposite end.
0
A completely contrasting start for both sides. South Africa are 31/0 in 2 overs. At the same stage, New Zealand were 9/0. And bowler number 3 in the third over for New Zealand. Jacob Duffy replaces Matt Henry.
0
Change of ends for Matt Henry. Went for 13 runs off the first over. He replaces Lockie Ferguson.
0
Will New Zealand deploy early spin? Not yet. Lockie Ferguson returns into the attack. 1-0-18-0 so far, and he replaces Jacob Duffy.
0
Finally, some respite for New Zealand from the onslaught. Ryan Rickelton walks in at number 3.
0
Jacob Duffy (1-0-20-0) is called back on, replacing Matt Henry.
0
16 runs off the over so far.
0
DRINKS BREAK! Absolute carnage from South Africa in the first six overs. The New Zealand quicks were wayward with their lines and lengths and were dispatched all over the park. They will hope to wrest back some control through spin in the middle phase. Picking wickets is the only way they can get back into this game. Given the start the Proteas have had, there is no need to take undue risks, and it is just about managing the chase from here. Mitchell Santner brings himself on after the break.
0
Out goes Ryan Rickelton and in walks Dewald Brevis.
0
South Africa need 53 runs from 54 balls. Rachin Ravindra is introduced. He replaces James Neesham.
0
With 45 needed off 50 balls, David Miller is in at number 5.
0
Spin in tandem. Mitchell Santner (2-0-21-0) brings himself back to the attack, replacing Matt Henry.
0
South Africa's 138/3 meets New Zealand's 131/4 after 13 overs. Lockie Ferguson (2-0-23-1) is brought back on, replacing Rachin Ravindra.
0
DRINKS BREAK. New Zealand have bowled a couple of quiet overs, as just 10 runs have come in the last two. But they also know that they aren't winning this without taking all 10 South African wickets. With just 34 needed from 36 balls, the Proteas have a firm grip on the contest and wouldn't want to slip that away. The two men batting in the middle will aim to get the job done without any bumps. Mitchell Santner to bowl out. His figures read 3-0-27-0 so far.
0
More action on Sunday - That wraps up the first week of action in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and it delivered plenty of entertainment. Another triple-header awaits us on Sunday, 15th February. First up, Nepal and the West Indies face off in Mumbai, before the action moves south to Chennai, where Namibia take on the USA. The day will conclude with India and Pakistan locking horns in Colombo. The first game of the day will begin at 5.30 am GMT. As always, join us early for all the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!
0
0.1
0
Matt Henry to Aiden Markram
Henry is on the money straight away! A bit of nip back, on a good length, on off and middle. Markram defends it right under his eyes.
0.2
4
Matt Henry to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Aiden Markram is off and running, as are South Africa. A bit of away shape, on a length, fractionally wide. Markram cracks the drive on the up and it races through covers for the first boundary of the chase.
0.3
4
Matt Henry to Aiden Markram
FOUR MORE! Lovely! This is fuller than the previous ball, around off. Aiden leans into the drive and plays a punchy drive between cover and mid off for another boundary.
0.4
1
Matt Henry to Aiden Markram
Henry drags the length back, on middle. Markram taps it with a straight bat in front of mid on and pinches a quick single.
0.5
4
Matt Henry to Quinton de Kock
FOUR! Uppish but wide enough! Matt pitches it up, on middle. Quinton pushes out in front of his body and just checks his drive. The ball flies past the outstretched right hand and the umpire gets out of the firing line in time. The mid off fielder gives chase but in vain. De Kock brings up 3,000 T20I runs. He becomes the first South African to reach this landmark, as informed by Simon Doull on air.
0.6
0
Matt Henry to Quinton de Kock
Across off, on a good length, Quinton stabs it to backward point. 13 runs off the first over of the chase.
Till Now Score: 13/0
(1 Overs)
de Kock
4(2)
A Markram
9(4)
M Henry
1-0-13-0
Over 1 ·13 Runs
0
4
4
1
4
0