T20 World Cup: Proteas storm to victory as skipper delivers brutal masterclass
Aiden Markram blasted a blistering unbeaten 86 as South Africa surged to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, maintaining their flawless start to the T20 World Cup.
Chasing a target of 176, the Proteas effectively killed the contest within the first six overs following a ferocious assault on the Black Caps’ bowlers.
Markram reached his half-century in just 19 balls, equalling the record for the fastest fifty of the tournament so far.
The victory leaves South Africa on the brink of official qualification for the Super 8s, while New Zealand must regroup ahead of their final group game against Canada.
Skipper leads from the front
The run chase was defined by the South African captain’s aggression, as he dismantled the opposition attack with eight fours and four sixes.
Alongside Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, Markram propelled his side to 83-1 by the end of the powerplay, removing any pressure from the required run rate.
New Zealand managed to stem the flow of boundaries in the middle overs, but the damage had already been done.
The 29-year-old remained at the crease until the end, watching from the non-striker’s end as David Miller finished the job in style.
The veteran left-hander launched Lockie Ferguson into the stands for a monstrous six, sealing the win with 17 deliveries to spare.
Jansen sparks the turnaround
New Zealand had earlier threatened to post a formidable total after openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert came out swinging.
Allen raced to 31 off just 17 balls, punishing the new ball before Marco Jansen intervened to shift the momentum.
The towering left-arm seamer claimed crucial figures of 4-40, removing three batters in quick succession to reign in the scoring rate.
Jansen dismissed Seifert in his first over before removing Rachin Ravindra and Allen within the space of four balls to end the powerplay.
Mark Chapman led a recovery with a fighting 48 from 26 balls, helping the Kiwis post 175-7.
However, the total proved woefully insufficient against a rampaging South African batting line-up determined to keep their 100% record intact.