Markram offers key insight after impressive T20WC win over NZ
South Africa captain Aiden Markram credited the mindset of his bowling unit after they helped set up a solid win against New Zealand at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Aiden Markram has admitted his side are working closer towards full potential after their latest display at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The South Africa captain was reasonably satisfied with their efforts against fellow Group D heavyweights New Zealand, claiming a seven-wicket win where they completed their run chase with 17 balls to spare.
South Africa secure a comfortable win | Match Highlights | T20WC 2026
South Africa bossed their contest against New Zealand, securing a big win in Ahmedabad.
Opening the batting for the Proteas, Markram was dominant, scoring an unbeaten 86* off 44 balls with 12 boundaries. He ensured South Africa produced a fairly stress-free run chase.
But quick Marco Jansen claimed Player of the Match honours with his 4/40 off four overs, removing the Black Caps' top three after they made a swift start in the Powerplay. He also took the wicket of Mark Chapman, meaning he removed four of New Zealand's top five batters.
Marco Jansen shines with the ball | Player Highlights | T20WC 2026
Marco Jansen starred with the ball, claiming 4/40 to help South Africa restrict New Zealand to 175 at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Jansen produced a variation masterclass, taking full advantage of his ability to mix pace and lines at an expert level.
"I think we got on the right side of the toss and that helped us, but ultimately to restrict him to under 180 I thought was a really massive effort," Markram said post-game.
"It's probably an over-200 type of pitch. The pitch played really well and obviously got better and better the later the night went. But the bowlers to restrict them under 180 was special."
Markram credited his bowlers and their ability to execute unpredictable variation.
"I think if I can speak from a batter's point of view, it's tough when guys can mix pace but also mix the lines," he continued.
"So when wickets are good you need to find a few things that can help and work and ultimately you need to get it right in the middle and I think that's what the guys did well tonight."
Markram leads from the front with a mesmerising knock | Player Highlights | T20WC 2026
Aiden Markram led from the front with a match-winning knock to help South Africa prevail over New Zealand at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
"I think the secret tonight was there was a lot of conviction behind what they did and what they were feeling and that gut feel. We went with that and it did hold in the wicket in that first inning. Obviously the wicket did get slightly better, but the boys still had to land it and I thought they did that really well."
Having now won three from three, the Proteas are locked in to progress to the Super 8 stage, with still a group game to go. They're well placed to set up another deep charge after reaching the final at the last edition.
And Markram is feeling good about where his team's campaign is placed.
"Definitely a lot closer to the fullest of potential tonight," he continued.
South Africa breeze past New Zealand | The ICC Review | T20 World Cup 2026
A power-packed showing with the bat helped the Proteas to their third successive win at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn joins ICC Digital Insider Crystal Arnold to reflect on the game.
"I thought pretty much all areas were really good and again I think it just came from clarity and conviction in that plan or that ball you're going to bowl or the approach you're going to take towards a certain bowler with the bat so it's nice to see the boys slowly but surely improving, getting better and better and yeah tonight was all around a really good performance."
