Ahmedabad, February 14 – South Africa captain Aiden Markram highlighted the important role winning the toss played in his team's resounding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in a crucial Group D match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, as the conditions had eased considerably when they batted in the second innings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
While acknowledging the importance of winning the toss and the improved conditions, Markram also praised his bowlers, especially left-arm pacer Marco Jansen, who took 4-40 in four overs, as they restricted New Zealand to 175/7 in 20 overs after Markram won the toss and opted to bowl first.
"It was important that we won the toss. The ball came nicely (in the second innings). The boys put up a strong effort (to restrict them to that score). You have to try and back the skills you are good at," Markram said in the post-match presentation.
Markram then led the way, scoring 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), leading the Proteas to a comfortable victory with 17 balls remaining.
Markram admitted that the New Zealand openers were looking dangerous but praised Jansen, whom he said is often underrated, for his fine performance.
"(They are) Very dangerous and intimidating, but the boys were solid with their plans tonight. (On Jansen) A very different left-arm (bowler) who bowls different types of deliveries. He has been bowling well, but didn't have the numbers to show for it," Markram said.
He added that it felt good to score runs that helped the team win. "It is nice. Ultimately, it is about getting the team off to a good start. We have a strong and experienced batting lineup. You have seen how teams are doing in the powerplay. It might not always work, but when it does, you can gain an advantage," he added.
This was South Africa's third successive win in Group D, and they are leading the group with six points in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. New Zealand are second with four points from two wins.
