South Africa captain Aiden Markram has created history during the team's T20 World Cup clash against New Zealand. The stylish batter smashed the fastest half-century by a Proteas batter in T20 World Cup history to guide his team to a commanding seven-wicket win. Apart from that, Markram joined the elite club of Rohit Sharma and Dasun Shanaka to smash the fastest half-century by a captain in the showpiece event.
Captains with the fastest T20 World Cup half-centuries
| Player | Balls Taken | Team | Opponent | Innings | Venue | Year |
| Aiden Markram | 19 | South Africa | New Zealand | 2 | Ahmedabad | 2026 |
| Rohit Sharma | 19 | India | Australia | 1 | Gros Islet | 2024 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 19 | Sri Lanka | Oman | 1 | Palekelle | 2026 |
| Mohammad Asharful | 20 | Bangladesh | West Indies | 2 | Johannesburg | 2007 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 21 | Sri Lanka | Kenya | 1 | Johannesburg | 2007 |
South Africa vs New Zealand match report
Chasing 176 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Proteas looked confident from the start and sealed the deal in just 17.1 overs, strengthening their push for a place in the Super Eight stage.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. They had New Zealand in trouble at 64/4, even though Finn Allen came out swinging with a brisk 31 off 17 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.
Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell then steadied the innings with a solid 74-run partnership. Chapman struck 48 from 26 balls, playing some crisp shots, while Mitchell chipped in with 32 off 24. James Neesham added late momentum with an unbeaten 23 off 15 deliveries. New Zealand eventually posted 175/7, with Marco Jansen leading South Africa’s bowling effort, finishing with impressive figures of 4/40.
South Africa started their chase dominantly. Markram and Quinton de Kock attacked from ball one, racing to 62 runs in just 4.4 overs. De Kock made a quick 20 off 14 balls before getting out, but not before crossing the 3,000-run mark in T20 internationals. He now has 3,018 runs from 105 matches, including two centuries and 19 fifties.
After De Kock’s dismissal, it was Markram’s show.
The Proteas skipper tore into the New Zealand attack, reaching his fifty in just 19 balls, which is the fastest ever by a South African in T20 World Cup history. He looked in complete control, mixing power with elegance, especially as he moved through the covers. His knock bettered De Kock’s previous 21-ball half-century against England in 2016.