AHMEDABAD: A resilient 74-run partnership between Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell propelled New Zealand to a competitive 175/7 against South Africa in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.
Put in to bat first, the Blackcaps openers provided a flying start. The in-form duo of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert raced to 33 runs in just 3.2 overs before Jansen struck, removing Seifert for a brisk 13 off nine balls, which included a four and a six.
Allen then added 24 runs with Rachin Ravindra (13) before Jansen struck twice in the sixth over, dismissing both batters in quick succession. Allen’s aggressive 17-ball knock of 31, featuring four fours and two sixes, had laid a strong foundation, but the side suddenly found themselves at 58/3.
The collapse deepened in the very next over when Keshav Maharaj cleaned up Glenn Phillips for just one run, leaving New Zealand reeling at 64/4.
Chapman and Mitchell Lead the Recovery
With the innings in disarray, Chapman and Mitchell joined forces to mount a crucial recovery. The pair added 74 runs for the fifth wicket, steadying the ship and rebuilding the innings with smart stroke play and rotating strike.
Chapman top-scored for New Zealand with a fluent 48 off 26 deliveries, hammering six fours and two sixes. Mitchell provided solid support with a 24-ball 32, hitting two fours and a six. However, both fell in quick succession, leaving the lower middle order to finish the innings.
Neesham’s Late Flourish
Experienced all-rounder James Neesham provided the late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 23 off just 15 balls, laced with three boundaries, to push New Zealand past the 175-run mark.
Marco Jansen was the standout performer for South Africa, finishing with impressive figures of 4/40 in his four overs. Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj picked up one wicket each, but the Proteas will be pleased with their bowling effort to restrict New Zealand to a chaseable total.
Squads
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs.
Head-to-head
Historically, New Zealand and South Africa have faced each other 18 times in the T20I format, with the Proteas leading the head-to-head record with 11 victories, while the Black Caps have won seven matches.
Matches: 18
South Africa: 11
New Zealand: 7
