T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav Press Conference ahead of India vs Pakistan
New Zealand were posted 175 for seven after electing to bat, thanks to a 74-run counter-attack between Mark Chapman (48) and Daryl Mitchell (32). However, their efforts were thwarted by South Africa’s vigorous bowling and a ruthless chase led by Markram. The Proteas started aggressively with Quinton de Kock (20 off 14) and Ryan Rickelton (21 off 11) making for a brisk start before falling to Lockie Ferguson. Markram then combined with Rickelton for a decisive 40-run stand to take South Africa past 100 in just eight overs. Even after Rickelton and Dewald Brevis (21) fell in quick succession, Markram continued to dominate, reaching his half-century off just 28 balls. David Miller (24 not out) finished the job with a huge six over mid-wicket to seal a 17-ball victory. Earlier, New Zealand started strongly with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen attacking Marc Jansen and Lungi Ngidi. But Jansen’s sharp bounce removed Seifert and Rachin Ravindra, while Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada picked up key wickets to leave the Black Caps struggling at 64 for four in seven overs. Chapman and Mitchell rebuilt with composure, but Jansen’s return to dismiss Chapman, followed by Mitchell and the cheap dismissal of skipper Mitchell Santner, capped a late surge. Jansen finished with 4 for 40, supported by Corbin Bosch (1/34) and Keshav Maharaj (1/24), while James Neesham’s unbeaten 23 was largely in vain.