New Zealand vs South Africa ICC MT20 WC, 2026, Full Score Card

SIX! A statement finish by David Miller. The Proteas make it three wins in three matches and remain glued to the top spot with 6 points. A juicy half tracker by Lockie, on top of off. David Miller gets on top of the bounce and authoritatively sends it sailing behind deep mid-wicket for a cracking six to seal the deal for his team. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 7 WICKETS AND 17 BALLS TO SPARE!

Slower one banged into the pitch on off. Miller swats it away to deep mid-wicket and jogs through for a single, but he and Henry nearly collide at the bowler’s end as the throw comes in. A brief mix-up and plenty of smiles after.

Good length on the stumps. Markram clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Short and slow on the bodyline, David Miller waits on it and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Another overthrow from Santner, and he’s left scratching his head! Full on off, Markram drills it to mid off. Miller sets off but is sent back, and with the Kiwi skipper missing the direct hit, they sneak through for a run.

Back of a length outside the off stump. Miller stands tall looks to punch it on the off side, but gets a thick outside edge that rolls to the left of short third for a single.

Sloppy, very sloppy! A leg cutter, on a length, on middle. Aiden Markram plays with soft hands and eases it to mid on for a single. Mitchell Santner scoots to his right from mid off and intercepts the ball. He then releases the throw to the keeper's end, where Miller sways away from the firing line, and Seifert is blindsided by David standing in front. He is late to react and the ball gets past him. It beats short fine leg to his left and races away to the fence.

Much fuller, on the pads, Aiden Markram chips it on the bounce to the long on fielder for one more. South Africa need 14 more runs.

Short and slow, around off, David Miller swats it down to long on for a single.

WIDE! Far outside off, on a fuller length, David lets it be as it breaches the guideline.

FOUR! Precise placement! Duffy lands a slower one halfway into the pitch, on top of off. David Miller pauses for the ball to arrive and then powers it with a pull shot to deep mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

On a back of a length, over middle, Aiden hangs deep in the crease and nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! That's a quality shot! Another pace off ball by Duffy, short and on middle and leg. Aiden Markram shimmies down a bit and heaves it perfectly in the gap, bisecting long on and deep mid-wicket fielders for a boundary. Markram moves to 77 (39), just 9 runs behind his highest T20I score.

Slower length ball, on the leg stump line. Aiden Markram plays off the back foot and eases it to the right of long on for a couple of runs as Mitchell cuts it off. 150 up for South Africa!

Quicker through the air, short and on top of off, Aiden dabs it to backward point, where Lockie Ferguson is on the edge of the ring. He is caught on his heels and the batters pinch in a quick single.

Flat and short, around the off stump, Aiden looks to punch it through covers but mishits it back to the bowler.

Spears it in, on middle, Miller works this full ball to long on for a run.

Shorter and turning in, on middle. Miller makes room and cuts it off the stumps behind point. Jacob Duffy tumbles to his left there but lets it through, allowing the second run to be taken.

This is slowed down and away from the batter's arc, on a nagging length. Aiden Markram drags it on the bounce towards Santner, who leaps to his right and gets a hand on it. It deflects behind for a single.

Very full, at the toes, knocked to long on for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. New Zealand have bowled a couple of quiet overs, as just 10 runs have come in the last two. But they also know that they aren't winning this without taking all 10 South African wickets. With just 34 needed from 36 balls, the Proteas have a firm grip on the contest and wouldn't want to slip that away. The two men batting in the middle will aim to get the job done without any bumps. Mitchell Santner to bowl out. His figures read 3-0-27-0 so far.

DROPPED! Lockie Ferguson cannot cling on! Angled in, on a length, on middle. Aiden Markram swings hard at it to force it down the ground. The ball comes off the inner half and goes flat towards the bowler. Ferguson tries to take the catch to his right around his waist on the follow-through, but fails to hold onto it.

Wide! Lockie Ferguson digs it short, over middle. Aiden Markram arches back to play the upper cut but misses. Wide given for height.

No shot offered! Ferguson angles it in at the hips. Aiden Markram thinks about glancing it away but then withdraws his bat. The ball clips his thigh pad and races down to the deep fine leg fence. Since there was no shot offered by Markram, the boundary will not count.

Pace off and on a shortish length, on off. David swivels and goes hard on the pull. Toe-ends it to long on and turns the strike over.

Fuller and angling away, David Miller firms the drive but picks out the catching cover fielder.

Off-cutter, into the surface, on middle. Aiden stands tall and nurdles it in the vacant mid-wicket region. They think about the second run but the fielder in the deep charges in and keeps it to a single.

Across off, on a good length, Miller whips it down the ground to long on for one.

South Africa's 138/3 meets New Zealand's 131/4 after 13 overs. Lockie Ferguson (2-0-23-1) is brought back on, replacing Rachin Ravindra.

Fires it in, full and on middle, Miller eases it to long on for another single.

A bit quick, short and around off, Aiden cuts it square on the off side and crosses over.

Santner keeps it slow, short and on off, tapped to long on for one more.

Short and on off, Markram slaps it hard to cover, where James Neesham gets a hand to it on the dive to his left. Saves a certain boundary. Just a single.

Wide! Mitchell Santner tosses it up, full and outside off, Aiden Markram reaches out to unleash the drive but the ball spins past his blade. A tight call but it has been given as a wide.

Drops it short, on middle. Miller swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

On a nagging length, on top of off. Miller angles it to backward point. Aiden is keen for a single, but David sends him back.

Spin in tandem. Mitchell Santner (2-0-21-0) brings himself back to the attack, replacing Matt Henry.

Shorter and on off, Aiden Markram keeps it out with a straight bat.

Sliding across the left-hander, on a length, Miller reaches out and crunches the drive to deep cover. A single for David to open his account.

With 45 needed off 50 balls, David Miller is in at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! Dewald Brevis tries to repeat the dose, but it does not come off for him. Cleverly bowled by Ravindra, expecting Brevis to dance down the track. He drags the length back and bowls it slower through the air, on off. Dewald jumps out of his crease and swings despite being nowhere near the pitch of the ball. One hand comes off the bat handle and it is skied off the toe end to long on. Daryl Mitchell moves to his left and settles under it to gobble it up. South Africa are 3 down for 131.

SIX! Pumped down the ground! Fractionally short, around off. Brevis makes use of the depth of the crease and thumps it flat. It goes to the right of the man at long off for a six.

This is slowed down but the length stays short, on middlle. Aiden clips it through mid-wicket and crosses over.

Short and sliding on with the arm. Brevis hops back and punches it to deep cover for a single.

South Africa need 53 runs from 54 balls. Rachin Ravindra is introduced. He replaces James Neesham.

Full and straightish line, on the pads, Dewald Brevis flicks it wide of mid on for a single to retain the strike.

On a hard length, outside off, Dewald Brevis punches it off the back foot, and gets it through cover. Glenn Phillips charges to his right from deep point and cuts it off in the deep. Two taken.

Big swing and a miss! Henry generates extra bounce with pace, short and outside off, Dewald Brevis tries to pull, but is beaten all ends up due to the bounce.

Full at 132.5 kph, on off, Dewald Brevis presents a straight bat and hits it back to the bowler.

Spears it full and attacks the middle and leg stump. Dewald Brevis drags his bat in front to block, but the bat twists at the point of contact and the ball gets lobbed to the left of the bowler and lands safely.

Overpitched, on off, Markram carves it through covers for a single.

Short and with pace, outside off, Aiden Markram is hurried by the pace and bounce and heaves it off the inner half to deep mid-wicket. Another single. At the halfway mark, South Africa are 119/2, needing 57 more.

Takes pace off, short, over middle. Brevis gets across and dinks it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Around off, on a length, Aiden Markram gets on top of it and slashes it to deep point for another run.

Hard length, just outside off, Dewald Brevis plays off the back foot and square cuts it to deep point for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Dewald Brevis hops off and punches it to the cover fielder.

A leg cutter, full and on leg, Aiden Markram chips it through the vacant mid on region for a single.

Pushed through, full and around off, Dewald angles the bat face and works it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

Shorter and outside off, turning away. Dewald reaches out and pats it to cover.

Quicker and shorter, on off, Aiden presses deep in the creaese and punches it to long off for a run.

Wide! Well wide on off, on the shorter side. Aiden Markram lets it go.

Darted in, fuller and on middle, Brevis hits it down to long on and crosses over.

Flat and short, on off, Dewald punches it hard and wide of the diving cover fielder. He collects a couple of runs before the deep fielder tidies up.

Short and around off, cut away to deep point for a single.

On a good length, on the off stump. Dewald punches it to cover.

FOUR! Just for a moment, Brevis had his heart in his mouth. Short and wide outside off. Stubbs goes after it straightaway, pulling it flat and hard towards deep mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips is a few yards inside the ropes. He leaps for it, but it just sails over him, lands in front of the cushion, and rolls over for four.

Out goes Ryan Rickelton and in walks Dewald Brevis.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! That's a fantastic catch by Mitchell in the deep. Slower ball by Neesham, fullish in length and outside off. Rickelton is early into the shot and it lobs off the toe-end. Mitchell settles under it at long on, moving to his left. He realises he’s close to the rope, and shows good awareness as he lobs it up, steps back in, and completes the catch.

Honing in on the off stump, on a short of a length, punched to long on for one.

FOUR! Skilful shot! In the channel, on a short of a length. Aiden uses the pace by opening the bat face and threads the gap between short third and backward point for a boundary.

On a good length, on middle and leg. Ryan Rickelton taps it to long on for a single.

SIX! FIFTY UP FOR AIDEN MARKRAM. Off just 19 balls. A truly astonishing knock from the Proteas skipper so far, keeping South Africa firmly in control of the chase. Santner lands it full and on middle with a good bit of flight. Aiden Markram leans on and thumps it straight down the ground for a cracking six to get to his milestone.

Good length ball sliding in and around off. Markram backs away, gives himself room and then hits towards deep backward point for two.

Flatter on a length, sliding across off, Ryan Rickelton rocks back and slaps it to deep cover for a singe.

Drags the length back, on middle, Aiden Markram hangs deep in the crease and nudges it between mid-wicket and square leg for a single.

Full and flighted on middle, Ryan Rickelton gets on the front foot and eases it with the flick to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Drops it full and on middle, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second run. The throw comes in towards the bowler, but Santner fails to gather it cleanly and that allows Markram to scoot through.

DRINKS BREAK! Absolute carnage from South Africa in the first six overs. The New Zealand quicks were wayward with their lines and lengths and were dispatched all over the park. They will hope to wrest back some control through spin in the middle phase. Picking wickets is the only way they can get back into this game. Given the start the Proteas have had, there is no need to take undue risks, and it is just about managing the chase from here. Mitchell Santner brings himself on after the break.

Overpitched at 133.2 kph, on middle, Aiden backs away, exposes the stumps, takes it on the full and carves it to cover, but finds the fielder in the ring. At the end of the Powerplay, South Africa are 83/1.

16 runs off the over so far.

WIDE! Bangs it in halfway into the pitch, angling down leg. Aiden Markram bails out of the pull shot as it goes over his head.

Back of a length, around off, Ryan Rickelton dabs it between backward point and short third for a quick single.

SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Duffy drags the length back, on leg, Ryan Rickelton presses in front and whips it aerially over deep square leg for a massive six. That's the 5th six of the inning already for South Africa.

FOUR! Just on the bounce! Jacob goes full and on middle, Ryan Rickelton gets under it and pumps it down the ground for a boundary. The replay shows that the ball just yorked the boundary cushions.

FOUR! Up and over! A bit of a slower one, around off on a fuller length. Ryan Rickelton stretches in front, waits on it, and he lofts it over mid off to find the fence.

Back of a length, around off, Ryan Rickelton plays off the back foot and punches it to cover-point, but cannot get it through.

Jacob Duffy (1-0-20-0) is called back on, replacing Matt Henry.

FOUR! Quality shot! On a back of a length, around off, Aiden stands tall and gets on top of the bounce before punching it through covers for a boundary.

Rickelton was gone had the throw hit! Ferguson bowls it on a length, on middle. This is punched on the up to mid off by Ryan and he sets off for the run. Mitchell Santner moves to his left, picks the ball up with his left hand and gets rid of the ball quickly. He is struggling to make his ground but luckily for him, the throw misses the stumps.

Finally, some respite for New Zealand from the onslaught. Ryan Rickelton walks in at number 3.

OUT! TIMBER! The change of angle works for Lockie Ferguson. He switches to over the wicket and floats up the leg-cutter, in line with the leg stump. Quinton heaves across the line. The ball drops on him and goes past the inside edge before hitting the leg pole. The brisk 62-run opening stand is broken. South Africa need 114 more.

Nearly trickled back onto the stumps! Ferguson spots Quinton back away and he tries to follow him. It comes out as a low full toss, de Kock has a swing across the line. Gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball sneaks past the leg stump before going towards the keeper.

Full at pace and honing in at the sticks, clipped to mid-wicket.

A big swing and a miss! Ferguson steams in from around the wicket and begins with an off-pace ball, on a good length, outside off. Quinton puts his head down and swings through but fails to connect.

Will New Zealand deploy early spin? Not yet. Lockie Ferguson returns into the attack. 1-0-18-0 so far, and he replaces Jacob Duffy.

Slower one, on a good length, on off, de Kock punches it wide of cover for one.

SIX! More of the top edge, but Quinton de Kock will take it. A well-directed short ball, at the bodyline of the batter. Quinton pivots to take the short ball on. He fails to get on top of it but goes through with the hook. Gets a top edge that sails over the deep fine leg fence for a six.

Pace off by Henry, on a back of a length, outside off. Quinton flashes hard at it but the ball kicks up a bit to go over the blade.

FOUR! Pulled away! Henry bangs it in short but the height does not trouble the batter at all. It is under the left armpit. Quinton swivels on the back foot and pulls it hard behind square. He beats the diving Rachin Ravindra in the deep for a four.

Good work! Angling across off, on a good length, Quinton cuts it hard but James Neesham dives to his left at backward point and saves at least a couple of runs for his side.

Lowish full toss, outside off, Quinton toe-ends the drive to cover.

Change of ends for Matt Henry. Went for 13 runs off the first over. He replaces Lockie Ferguson.

FOUR! Easy pickings! 20 runs off the over. South Africa have raced to 51 in 3 overs. Duffy sprays it on the pads, on a length, Markram glances it fine of the man at short fine leg for another boundary.

On a length, angled in at the pads. Markram looks to whip it away but misses and gets rapped on the front pad.

FOUR! Off the edge! The runs keep flowing. Duffy follows Markram with a hard-length delivery. Aiden gets his hands high to punch it away. Gets an outside edge that races fine of short third for a boundary.

SIX! Aiden Markram is putting on a show here! Duffy hits the deck hard, over middle and leg. Markram rises with the bounce and just launches it on the up towards wide long on for a biggie.

SIX! Effortless hit! Off-cutter, fuller and angled in, on middle and leg. Markram presents the full face of the blade and just holds his shape. Lofts it over the man at mid on for a six.

Duffy bowls it on a back of a length, outside off. The width is there for Aiden to cash in but he goes a bit too hard at the ball. Ends up chopping it down on the off side.

A completely contrasting start for both sides. South Africa are 31/0 in 2 overs. At the same stage, New Zealand were 9/0. And bowler number 3 in the third over for New Zealand. Jacob Duffy replaces Matt Henry.

Dipping slower ball, on the fuller side. Markram clips it off the legs in front of mid-wicket. A bit of hesitation, but the batters eventually go through. 18 runs off the 2nd over, South Africa are off to a flying start.

Good cricket! Ferguson delivers it on a back of a length, on off. De Kock drops it with soft hands beside the strip on the off side and scampers through for a quick run.

FOUR! Beautiful! Ferguson bowls it on a length, outside off, Quinton transfers the weight onto the front foot and creams the drive through extra cover for a four.

Wide! Lockie switches to around the wicket and sprays it down leg. Quinton de Kock swings to play the pick-up shot but misses. A good diving take to his right by Tim Seifert.

Hurls it on a hard length, over off, Aiden stands tall and steers it behind point for a single.

FOUR! No slip and it races away! Tailing back in, on a good length, in line with the off pole. Markram pushes out in front of his body with a straight bat. The ball holds its line and Markram is squared up. Gets an outside edge that goes to the left of short third for a four. Don't think it would have carried if there had been a slip.

SIX! Shot of the night! Ferguson errs in line and length, a bit of shape back in. Markram gets the width to free his arms and he extends his hands into the lofted drive. Plays it over cover and picks up a six.

Lockie Ferguson to operate from the opposite end.

Across off, on a good length, Quinton stabs it to backward point. 13 runs off the first over of the chase.

FOUR! Uppish but wide enough! Matt pitches it up, on middle. Quinton pushes out in front of his body and just checks his drive. The ball flies past the outstretched right hand and the umpire gets out of the firing line in time. The mid off fielder gives chase but in vain. De Kock brings up 3,000 T20I runs. He becomes the first South African to reach this landmark, as informed by Simon Doull on air.

Henry drags the length back, on middle. Markram taps it with a straight bat in front of mid on and pinches a quick single.

FOUR MORE! Lovely! This is fuller than the previous ball, around off. Aiden leans into the drive and plays a punchy drive between cover and mid off for another boundary.

FOUR! Aiden Markram is off and running, as are South Africa. A bit of away shape, on a length, fractionally wide. Markram cracks the drive on the up and it races through covers for the first boundary of the chase.

Henry is on the money straight away! A bit of nip back, on a good length, on off and middle. Markram defends it right under his eyes.

FOUR MORE! James Neesham goes back-to-back at the end. Bosch misses his mark by a small margin. He allows Neesham to get under the ball and pays the price with mid off being inside the circle. James hangs deep, collapses his back knee to find the elevation and lofts it over mid off. One bounce and over the ropes. A couple of 10-run overs at the end for the Kiwis. New Zealand finish with 175 on the board!

FOUR! Neesham finally gets one away! Yorker gone wrong for Corbin. Low full toss, on off. Neesham crouches and swipes it behind square. Kagiso Rabada is quick across the turf in the deep to his left and dives. He gets a hand on it but it is not enough.

Low full toss, on middle and leg, Matt drills it to long on for just a single.

Corbin slants it across, on a length, Neesham reaches out and hits towards wide mid off. This time, he takes the single.

Fantastic stuff! Bosch nails the yorker, right at the toes. A bit of inward shape, Neesham gets the front leg out of the way and jams it back to the bowler.

Bosch goes searching for the yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, on off. Neesham fails to get the elevation and powers it to long on. There is no possibility of coming back for the second run, so he turns down the single.

Final over coming up. Corbin Bosch (3-0-24-1) to wrap up.

Shortish ball, outside off, Neesham gets his hands high and drags the pull to wide long on. He retains the strike with a single. 10 runs off the over!

FOUR! Cleverly played! On a short of a good length, over off. Neesham premeditates as he walks across the stumps and scoops it between short fine leg and the keeper for a four.

Full and around leg, Matt makes room and mows it square on the leg side for one more.

Bashes the surface, over middle. Neesham mistimes the pull to deep square leg and picks up a single.

Brilliant work! Full and angled at the sticks, Neesham whips it nicely between deep mid-wicket and long on. Dewald Brevis charges to his right and dives before knocking it towards the converging long on fielder. Two runs taken.

A yorker, across off, Henry digs it out in front of cover and crosses over.

How many more can the Kiwis add in the last two overs? They surely would want a total in excess of 180, given the dew factor and the greasy outfield. Marco Jansen (3-0-30-4) will bowl the penultimate over.

Fine effort in the field! Fuller and on off, Henry goes hard at it and it is sliced to point where David Miller dives to his right and saves a certain boundary. Just a single.

A bit shorter this time, on off, Henry knocks it from the crease to cover.

On top of off, Matt gets on top of it and mistimes it to cover.

FOUR! Streaky, but they all count! First boundary in 25 balls for New Zealand. Rabada hurls it on a back of a length, outside off. Henry pushes at it with hard hands and a high elbow. Gets an outside edge that races to deep third for a four.

Pace off, on a good length, on middle, Neesham taps it in front of point and gets to the other end. 150 comes up for New Zealand!

On a length, outside off, Neesham stands tall and drives it on the up through extra cover for a couple of runs.

7/2 in the last two overs for New Zealand. Into the death overs we go. Here's Kagiso Rabada (3-0-19-0) back into the attack.

Angling away, on a back of a length, on off, Neesham angles it behind point and keeps the strike with a single.

On middle and leg, on a back of a length. Henry drops it beside the strip on the leg side and crosses over.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! South Africa land another vital blow. With deep extra cover and deep backward point in place, Bosch keeps it full, outside off. Santner gives himself a bit of room to carve it on the off side by opening the bat face. He only gets the height and it goes towards deep point, where Ryan Rickelton sprints to his left from deep backward point and takes the catch before dropping on his knees. New Zealand have slipped to 145/7 from 138/4. Matt Henry is the new batter.

A flash and a miss! Mitchell Santner is crossed with himself. On the shorter side, wide on off. Santner throws the kitchen sink at it, but connects with thin air.

Pitched up, on middle, Neesham firms the drive back towards the bowler. Bosch gets a hand on it and it is parried behind. Single taken.

Going across off, on a back of a length, Santner knocks it off the back foot to extra cover. They cross. Aiden Markram slides to mop it up and as he slides, it is visible how wet the outfield is.

Corbin Bosch (2-0-20-0) is back on, replacing Keshav Maharaj.

Hits the hard length, does Ngidi, on off. Santner pushes it in front of mid off and scampers through for a quick single. A wicket and just 3 runs off the over. 5 runs and 2 wickets in the last 13 balls.

On top of off, on a back of a length, James stays leg side and pats it to deep point for one.

Lands it on a good length, on off. Neesham taps it back on the strip.

Out goes Mitchell and the crease has a new occupant. James Neesham is in at 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Daryl Mitchell holes out. This was coming. South Africa had managed to string dots after picking up the wicket of Mark Chapman, and the pressure has told. Angled into the right-hander, on the fuller side, on middle. Mitchell clears the front leg to pump it down the ground. The bat turns in his hand and the ball goes flat off the inner half of the bat, down to long on, where Tristan Stubbs takes a safe catch around his chest. Mitchell berates himself as he trudges off. Both set batters fall in quick succession for New Zealand.

Into the surface again, on off, Mitchell hops and gets on top of the bounce. He punches it to backward point, where David Miller dives and makes a half-stop. Just a single.

Beaten! Across off, on a hard length. Santner fiddles with it, but the ball zips past the outside edge.

A tidy over from Keshav Maharaj. 5 overs left in the innings. Lungi Ngidi returns to bowl out. 3-0-31-0 are his bowling figures so far.

Slows it up through the air, on that in-between length. Daryl Mitchell presses back and dabs it with soft hands to the bowler. What an excellent over from Maharaj. Just a couple of singles from it.

Outside leg, on a length, Mitchell Santner turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Quicker and flatter, on the stumps, Mitchell Santner punches off the back foot to Markram at extra cover.

In front of the sticks, on a length, Mitchell Santner rocks back and eases it back to Maharaj.

Quicker delivery, short and on off, Santner backs away and punches it straight onto the stumps at the bowling end.

Pushed full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell leans on and flicks it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! A timely breakthrough for South Africa. They were put under pressure by the flourishing stand between Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman, but they will hope to build on this crucial scalp. New Zealand have done well to maintain the tempo of their innings despite that slide in the middle phase. They will know they need to keep pushing to get up to the 200 mark and beyond, because defending won't be easy with the possibility of dew later on. The Kiwi skipper, Mitchell Santner, walks out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! The change of pace works again for Marco as he has his fourth wicket. On a slightly fuller length, around the off stump line, with pace taken off by Jansen. Mark Chapman wanders forward and tries to flick that across the line, but closes the bat face very early and a thick leading edge is found. The ball swirls towards backward point where Ryan Rickelton seems to have lost the ball in the ring of fire for a moment, but keeps his calm and takes a good catch. Chapman falls two short of his half century and the 74-run partnership is cut short. 3-0-30-4 for Marco, these are Jansen's best bowling figures in T20Is.

Another pace off, on a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it between cover and point and they rush through for a single.

Slower length ball, around off, Chapman slices it off the back foot and hits it on the bounce to long off for a single.

Confusion but no harm done! A pinpoint yorker by Jansen, on the leg stump line, Mark Chapman jams the bat down, and the ball goes off the inside edge to short fine leg. Chapman is off for a single and is sent from halfway by Mitchell. The short fine leg fielder releases a flat throw to the batting end, but misses his shy, allowing Mark to get back in. The Proteas, however, have gone upstairs for a review for LBW. The replay confirms a clear deflection off the inside edge. But had the throw hit, Chapman was gone for all money.

FOUR! That's a glorious shot! Hits the length hard, and takes pace off. It skids on around off, Mark plays from the crease and steers it between the cover and backward point gap for a boundary.

Very slow, around off, Daryl Mitchell takes it on the full and eases it through mid off for a quick single.

A slower dipping yorker on leg, Chapman digs it out to mid-wicket. Another over that goes in double digits for the Kiwis.

FOUR! Chapman races to 40 off 21! On a fuller length, on middle, Mark creates some room by moving leg side and thumps it over the bowler's head for a cracking boundary down the ground.

FOUR! Thwack! Slower short ball into the pitch, on over middle and leg, Mark Chapman reads the pace off, waits on it and pulls it behind square on the leg side, and finds the gap.

Nails the yorker in, on middle, Daryl jams it down past the bowler for a single.

Rolls his fingers and bowls an off cutter, into the pitch, over off. Mark Chapman flays at it, and the ball pops off the outside edge towards deep third for a single.

Attacks the stumps, on a fuller length, Mark plays from the crease and chops it to the point region.

Flat and quick, a tad short, around off, Mark Chapman is quick to back away and cuts it to deep point for a single. A very profitable over for New Zealand. 15 runs from it.

SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Another half volley by Aiden, in front of the middle pole. Mark Chapman needs no second invitation as he advances and muscles it behind deep mid-wicket for a big six.

Overpitched, full, on off, Daryl Mitchell walks forward and drills it to long on for a single. The 50-run partnership comes up between Mitchell and Chapman.

A brief hold-up as the players wait for the crowd to return the ball.

SIX! LAUNCHED! A juicy half volley, on middle, Daryl Mitchell plays with a straight bat and pumps it over long on for a cracking six. Clean as a whistle. Mitchell moves to 27 off 17 balls.

Flat off break, on a length, around off, Mark Chapman chop-cuts it to deep point for a single.

Overpitched, full and drifting on leg, Mark Chapman shovels it back at the bowler.

Full and on the stumps, angling in, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to the right of long on for a couple.

FOUR! Good shot! Change of pace from Bosch. Off cutter, on middle, full in length. Mitchell picks it up and over mid off. Aiden Markram sprints from the inner ring and slides to flick the ball back in. The ball ends up trickling onto the boundary ropes off his left hand.

Hits the deck very hard, outside off, Daryl square cuts it wide of deep point and sprints back for the second run. 100 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND!

On a hard length, over middle. Chapman is taken aback slightly as the ball kicks up a bit. He fends it beside the strip on the off side for one.

FOUR! Fast hands from Mark Chapman! Bosch rushes the batter with a hard-length delivery but Chapman is equal to the task. He rides the bounce and cuts it fiercely to the left of the diving backward point fielder for a four.

This is on a back of a length, outside off, Mitchell moves towards the off side and has a big swing across the line. Gets it high on the bat and the ball dribbles to long on for one.

Halfway reached. New Zealand are going at a fair clip with 92/4 on the board. The partnership is budding steadily and the nerves are settling for them. Corbin Bosch is brought back into the attack, replacing Keshav Maharaj.

Skidding through, on a short of a length, around off, Mitchell guides it to the right of point and keeps the strike with a single.

Another low full toss, on off, Chapman swings a bit too hard and loses his shape. Shanks it in front of square on the leg side for one.

There's that dipping pace off ball. Low full toss, on off, Mitchell checks his drive and plays it down to long on. They cross.

Off-cutter, on a good length, on middle. Mitchell waits on the slower ball and taps it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region. He manages to come back for the second before the fielder from the deep gets to the ball.

Rapped on the pads! Not given. Lungi Ngidi is interested but Aiden Markram decides against the review. The impact looked outside the line and height was also an issue. Angled in, on a back of a length, around off. Mitchell shuffles across but is beaten on the block on the inside edge. Gets rapped high on the front pad.

Around leg, on a length, Chapman works it through backward square leg and turns the strike over.

Full and on middle, pushed to long on for one more by Mark.

FOUR! Excellent effort from Dewald Brevis, but in vain! Short and around off, Chapman presses deep in the crease and pummels it aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Brevis is a bit square in the deep and he runs to his right before flinging himself towards the ball. He fails to cling on and lands hard on his right shoulder. He can only watch the ball trickle into the ropes. Not sure if he would have managed to stay in the field of play even if he had taken the catch.

Pushes it through, short and on top of off, Mark mistimes the pull to mid-wicket.

Slows it down and gets a bit of inward drift. Fuller and on off, Mitchell clips it off the front pad to deep square leg for one.

Shorter and quicker, around the hips, Chapman shovels it behind square for a run.

Sliding across off, slightly short, Chapman reaches out and slaps it past the diving cover-point fielder. Kagiso Rabada gets around in the deep and cuts it off with a slide. Two runs taken.

26/3 in the last 3 overs for New Zealand. These two have a massive responsibility to rebuild through this middle phase. Maharaj to continue. 1-0-13-1 so far.

A bit more effort behind this ball, on a short of a good length, outside off. Daryl Mitchell angles it to backward point and with a loud call of 'No', he sends Chapman back, who was keen for a single.

Bosch pulls the length back, on off and middle. Mitchell takes a step across the stumps and nurdles it between deep square leg and mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Hit with real authority! Another cross-seam ball but a bit too full, on off. Mitchell stays back, gets the front leg out of the way and pumps it over mid off for a boundary.

Cross-seam delivery, on a back of a length, over off. Daryl gets behind the line of the ball and taps it to the catching mid-wicket fielder.

And again! A bit of away movement, on a back of a length, outside off. Mitchell looks to run it down with an open bat face but misses.

Beats the bat straight away! Bosch slams the hard length, outside off, Mitchell walks closer to the line of the ball and gets his hands high to punch it away but the ball whistles past the outside edge.

Corbin Bosch is brought into the attack now. He replaces Marco Jansen.

SIX! All the way! Fractionally short, on middle. It is enough for Chapman. He picks up the length in a flash and nails the pull between deep mid-wicket and long on for a six.

Gives the ball a bit of air, fuller and on off, Mitchell plays an uppish drive but away from the reach of the bowler to his left. Gets off the mark with a single.

All going south for the Blackcaps on a decent batting pitch. The crisis manager for New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell is in at number 6.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Keshav Maharaj lets out a big roar. He is thrilled to bits. Stays around the wicket, does Maharaj and this is speared in, on a length. The ball drifts back into the right-hander, in and around the off pole. Phillips does not move his feet at all and just extends his hands into the drive. The ball comes back in with the arm to catch the inside edge and it deflects onto the leg pole. From being 57/1, New Zealand are now 64/4.

Flatter and shorter, quicker too, on middle, Mark hops back and punches it to long off for a run.

FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Flighted delivery, fuller and on the off pole. Chapman reaches out in front and slams the sweep to the left of the man at deep mid-wicket for a four.

Sliding on with the arm, short and on middle. Phillips rocks back and works it to long on for a single.

Whose Powerplay was it? New Zealand got fifty-plus, but at the cost of losing their top three. Slight edge to the Proteas. And here comes Keshav Maharaj to put on the choke with his spin. He replaces Kagiso Rabada.

This is interesting. From around the wicket to the left-hander, Jansen angles it across the batter, on a back of a length. Chapman gets on top of it and taps it to cover. 2 wickets and 7 runs off the final over of the Powerplay as South Africa end it on a high. At the end of 6 overs, New Zealand are 58/3.

Double strike for Jansen and he has all three to boast. Mark Chapman walks in at number 5 with the Kiwis struggling.

OUT! CAUGHT! Finn Allen knew it as soon as he hit it. Two wickets in the over for Marco Jansen, and this is a massive wicket for the Proteas. Jansen rolls his fingers over the ball and floats it up, just outside the off stump. Allen hangs deep in the crease and tries to go over mid off, but fails to get any sort of elevation on the lofted hit. Hits it flat to mid off, where Aiden Markram gobbles it up around his knee. All 3 wickets have belonged to Jansen.

Across off, on a back of a length, Finn punches it to cover-point off the back foot.

Leg bye! Too straight, around the hips, Phillips tries to shovel it away but misses. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes off the thigh pad on the leg side.

The lean patch in T20Is continues for Ravindra. With the fall of the wicket, the umpires have called for a DRINKS BREAK. South Africa would be pleased to pick two big wickets inside the Powerplay. The pitch looks a belter for scoring runs and New Zealand would bank on Finn Allen to convert his start into a big score. They might need a total in excess of 200 to be on the safe side, given the dew factor later on. Glenn Phillips is the new batter in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT! Expertly held by David Miller. In the channel, on a short of a length, Ravindra looks to force it away on the off side and he goes at it with hard hands. The ball takes the outside edge and flies to short third, where David Miller is standing on the edge of the ring. He moves to his right and puts in a dive to snaffle a good, low catch.

SIX! Innovative and mighty effective! On a hard length, outside off, Rachin walks across the stumps and gets inside the line of the ball. He manages to get under the ball and uses the pace to scoop it over deep fine leg for a six.

Marco Jansen to continue.

Zips through the deck, on a length, on off, Rachin Ravindra plays it late off the back foot and runs it wide of short third for a single.

FOUR! Good connection! An off cutter by Rabada, outside off, on a good length. Rachin Ravindra slashes it over point for a boundary. 50 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND!

In the air... lands safely! A well-directed short ball, on top of middle. Rachin Ravindra stands tall to pull it over mid-wicket, but slices it due to the extra bounce. The ball spoons up in the air and Kagiso Rabada turns around to go for the catch, but slips and falls awkwardly. The ball lands in front of the charging mid on fielder. Surely, Rachin was sweating on it to land safe.

Hard length, on the leg stump, Ravindra stays put and blocks it solidly off the back foot.

Full and on the stumps, Finn Allen badly mistimes his heave off the inner part of the bat to deep square leg for a single.

Oops! Just as Kagiso Rabada was about to load up, he lost the ball from his grasp, and it dribbled down the pitch towards the batter. 'Hit it!' came the cheeky shout from the comms box, courtesy of Ian Smith. Finn Allen picked the ball up and just lobbed it back to the bowler. 'New Zealand, you’re too nice,' quips Smith.

Hard length, across the batter, Rachin punches it on the up to deep point for a single.

Change of ends for Kagiso Rabada. He conceded just 2 runs in his opening over.

On a back of a length, on middle, Finn Allen hops and bunts it down the ground with soft hands.

SIX! Going, going, and gone! Short of a good length, on the bodyline of the batter. Finn Allen picks it up and pulls it aerially towards deep backward square leg. Tristan Stubbs feels he is in the game for the catch, so he times his leap to throw it back in the playing area, but the ball had enough wheels to sail over him.

FOUR! Off the edge! On a back of a length, angling away from the right-hander. Finn Allen gets squared up on the back foot, hanging his bat away from his body. Plays it with soft hands and the ball goes along the ground, beating short third to his left for a boundary.

On a fuller length, on middle, Rachin flicks it to the left of mid on for a single to get off the mark.

In walks Rachin Ravindra at number 3. He has an ODI World Cup hundred at this ground and will hope to break his recent string of low scores here.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jansen ruins the party for Seifert. Smart bowling actually, as this is banged in short, over the stumps with extra bounce. Tim Seifert arches back to flat bat that over covers, but only gets a feather of the outside edge. The ball carries behind to Quinton de Kock, who takes a fine catch with a slight leap. An important breakthrough for the Proteas, given the form of Seifert. New Zealand are 33/1.

SIX! SMOKED! Marco lands it on a fractionally fuller length, on off, Tim Seifert gets under it properly and clubs it neatly to sail that all the way behind long on for a six.

Marco Jansen has been introduced into the attack, replacing Kagiso Rabada.

FOUR! Timed to perfection! Ngidi goes full and on middle and leg, tailing in on the pads. Finn Allen gets his head over the ball and flicks it through the gap at mid-wicket for a boundary. A massive over for the Kiwis. 18 runs from it.

SIX! DISAPPEARED! Lungi goes pace off on a fullish length, around off. Finn Allen gets the ball into his wheelhouse, and with a free-flowing bat swing, he pumps it behind long on for a cracking six.

Nagging length, outside off, Finn Allen thrashes it off the back foot to cover.

Ngidi with a slight appeal for a run out! A slower delivery, full toss, on off, Finn Allen drills it straight down the pitch. Lungi Ngidi extends his right hand on the follow-through as the ball smashes the stumps on the non-striker's end. Ngidi appeals, but with not much conviction. The on-field umpire has sent it upstairs for a check. Three angles for the TV umpire's help. It is confirmed that the ball didn't come in contact with Ngidi's fingers or his right leg. UltraEdge comes up with a flat line.

FOUR! He is teeing off now! On a back of a length, wide outside off, Finn Allen gets to free his arms and slashes it like a knife over point for another boundary. Two in two for Finn.

FOUR! Up and over! Too much width by Ngidi, full and outside off, Finn Allen plays with the movement and slices it over backward point for a boundary.

Misses the yorker by a yard or so, on middle, Allen gently pushes it to the left of mid on for a quick run.

Angled on the leg stump line, on a good length, Allen looks to whip that over square leg, but gets beaten on the inside edge and is rapped on the thigh. There's a bit of verbal exchange between Allen and Rabada.

BEATEN! Slides one down the leg stump line, on a fullish length. Finn shuffles across to scoop, but misses. The ball passes scarily close to the leg pole on the way to the keeper.

Absolute ripper! Pitched on a length, around off, nipping away. Finn Allen pokes at it loosely without much footwork and the ball zips past his outside edge by a kitten-whisker.

Back of a length, over middle, nipping back in. Tim Seifert pulls it off the inner half of the blade to deep backward square leg for a run.

Rabada is on the money! Slammed hard into the deck, on middle and leg, Tim Seifert gets a bit across and nudges it to the leg side, in front of square.

Kagiso Rabada will steam in from the other end. He had a game to forget against Afghanistan and will be eager to bounce back tonight.

Angled into the batter, on a good length, on leg, Tim Seifert knocks it off the inner half, towards mid on for a run. 7 from the first over.

Swing and a miss! Keeps it outside off, full in length, moving away from the right-hander. Tim Seifert throws the kitchen sink at it, only to get beaten on the outside edge.

Slower ball, on off, Seifert thrashes it along the ground, but straight to the mid off fielder.

Into the body, slanted on a length, Finn Allen bunts it in front of mid on for a single.

EDGED BUT SAFE! Full again, outside off, shaping away late. Tim Seifert pushes at it from the crease, but again gets a thick outside edge. The ball evades the massive wingspan of Marco Jansen to his right and is stopped by Stubbs in the deep with a slide. Just a single.

FOUR! Action and fortune straightaway! Ngidi gets a good bit of outswing on a fuller length, outside off, Tim throws his hands at it to thrash it away to the off side, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies well wide of the leaping slip fielder and races away to the deep third fence, beating Stubbs to his left.

We are done with the national anthems, and it is time for the action to get underway. A decent crowd has turned up, and expect more to trickle in. Aiden Markram and his troops make their way out to the centre. They are followed by the two Kiwi openers, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. Lungi Ngidi will get things going with the new ball. Seifert to face the first ball. A slip in place. Here we go!

The giant flags of the two nations have been unveiled. The match officials lead the way before Aiden Markram and Mitchell Santner lead their charges out, along with the mascots. It will be South Africa's national anthem first, followed by that of New Zealand.

The captain of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner says it looks like a good wicket, and they would try to put on a huge total on the board and hope that dew doesn't arrive later in the evening. On the preparations for this match, Santner shares it's been good. Says there are no easy games in this tournament and adds that they know how good a side South Africa is. Tells that they have made small improvements from the first game and look forward to taking it further. Wraps up by informing that they are going unchanged.

The captain of South Africa - Aiden Markram says the decision to bowl first is influenced by their previous night game at the venue, where the wicket got better as the match progressed. He hopes they can restrict New Zealand and then take advantage of the conditions while chasing. He mentions there was not a lot of dew in that earlier game, just a bit, and admits it can be somewhat unpredictable. With a cheeky smile, he adds that they certainly won't complain if there is a little more dew around tonight. Markram shares that the clash against Afghanistan was physically and emotionally draining, but the side has regrouped and is ready to put in a strong performance. Informs that they have made one change with Corbin Bosch coming in for George Linde.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch (In for George Linde), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi.

New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Jacob Duffy.

TOSS - Righto, it is coming to toss time in Ahmedabad. Aiden Markram and Mitchell Santner are already out in the middle, with the team sheets exchanged. Everyone's favorite, Ian Smith, leads the proceedings. Santner will flip and Markram will call. Markram calls it correctly. SOUTH AFRICA HAVE ELECTED TO BOWL.

PITCH REPORT - Danny Morrison reports a hot day with temperatures peaking at 33 degrees Celsius, though it is expected to cool down to around 17 degrees later in the evening. Informs that the square boundaries measure 62 metres on one side and 74 metres on the other, while it is 72 metres down the ground. Shaun Pollock joins him, and he believes dew will definitely be a factor as the night progresses. He observes that the surface has a good grass covering and feels hard when tapped, suggesting plenty of pace and carry. Shaun shares that Afghanistan scored at a strike rate of 148.7 against pace on balls from the Proteas seamers, but that dropped to 102.7 against pace-off deliveries, highlighting how crucial variations will be for the quicks. Ends by saying that this wicket is a belter and he expects a high-scoring game.

An update from Kolkata - In a crucial game for England, they have passed their test against Scotland at Eden Gardens. First, they restricted Scotland to a middling total of 152, with every bowler chipping in with wickets, led by Adil Rashid's 3/36. It also saw Jofra Archer get back to form with a couple of early wickets. And in the chase, they did lose both their openers in the first two overs, but a 66-run partnership between Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton saved the day for them, with the latter staying unbeaten on 63. England won by 5 wickets with 10 balls to spare. This puts them in the second spot in Group C, behind West Indies. And this defeat marks Scotland's second in three games. They tried hard, but they just didn't have enough on the board to defend and make the fight out of it.

Form, foes, and fables - South Africa enjoy a spotless record against New Zealand in the T20 World Cups, and the fact that they haven’t met since the 2014 edition is striking. New Zealand do not have happy memories in Ahmedabad, getting bowled out on their third-lowest T20I score of 66 in 2023. South Africa have seen it all here, a win, a loss and even a Super Over in the previous game. They lead 11-7 overall against New Zealand in this format, but just one victory in the last five meetings keeps this clash unpredictable and adds plenty of spice. Both teams, whenever they meet, have produced several classics in all forms, so let's hope this one stays true to that. Toss and teams coming up very shortly. Stay tuned.

Conditions and combinations - South Africa stay put in Ahmedabad, with familiarity on their side as this will be their third game on the trot here. New Zealand arrive from Chennai, trading spin comfort for bounce and carry. Red soil means lift, pace, and shots that travel. And with both teams boasting batting units that send shivers down the spine of bowlers, all capable of scoring free-flowingly, a high-octane run fest seems likely. Seam is expected to dominate, but if the dew stays away, spin could still sneak into the action. Toss could prove decisive under lights, with teams chasing having won just three of the ten T20Is played here.

Cutthroat group? Group D was billed as a maze. Turns out, two teams brought the map. New Zealand and South Africa sit pretty with two wins each, already nudging the Super 8 door open. This is no longer about staying alive. It is about arriving with authority. One more win and the table almost settles itself. Afghanistan were meant to complicate the script, but for now, they are the pause between two dominant narratives. The runners-up of the previous edition, South Africa, now run into the quietly efficient New Zealand at the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium. On that note, hello and a warm welcome to our coverage of Match 24 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026.

... MATCH DAY ...

Battle of the heavyweights! Ahmedabad gets ready for a cracker as two heavyweights battle against one another in the final game of Saturday's tripleheader. It is New Zealand taking on South Africa with the winner certifying a spot for itself in the Super Eights. Easy peasy so far - The Kiwis have just eased through so far. Chased down 183 with consummate ease against Afghanistan while made a mockery of the target of 174 against the United Arab Emirates. However, by their own admission, they have conceded a bit more than they would have liked, in both matches. The batting has looked in supreme shape, with Tim Seifert leading the charge. They were in a bit of a strife against the Afghans but rallied out of that one. A tough recent past - It has not been a good few months for the Black Caps. A horrendous 1-4 series loss to the Indians. Coming out victors against West Indies at home, but despite winning 3-1, challenged in every match, being labelled as the closest home series ever for the Kiwis. Prior to that, losing series to England and Australia, both in home conditions. So if we do the math - from October 2025, New Zealand have played 12 completed T20Is prior to the World Cup but won just 4. That may be a reason why their bowling has been under the pump but these two wins, through solid batting would have eased their nerves a bit. They had arranged a tour to India for getting acclimatized to the conditions and despite being beaten black and blue by India, at least, they have started well in this tourney. From New Zealand's point of view, while a win puts them in the Super Eights, a loss need not be too harmful for them. With Afghanistan losing both their opening matches, and Canada and the United Arab Emirates to come after this, the Black Caps would be confident of making it through to the next stage. However, if they make it on the back of three straight wins, it would make them feel a lot happier. The Kiwis move from Chennai to Ahmedabad, which has already seen two high-scoring matches. So the bowling will once again be tested and if the Kiwis are bowling second, the dew could definitely play a part. Home, sweet home - Talking about Ahmedabad, South Africa will find themselves at home. This is their third match of this tournament and all the three at one venue - so they will have a heads up about the conditions as compared to New Zealand. Post the 2025 World Test Championship final, the Proteas believe that they have now shed that dreaded 'C' word. Yes, it did appear for the Ladies in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup but we will stick with the Men for now. They came agonizingly close of lifting the trophy in 2024 and believe that they can go again and do one step better this time. A promising Indian tour - Like the Kiwis, the Proteas too arranged a tour for themselves to Indian shores, albeit a bit earlier than the Black Caps. It started with a stunning 2-0 clean sweep in Tests, to a respectable 1-2 loss in the ODIs, before culminating into a 1-3 defeat in the T20Is. So they too, can argue that they have a fair knowledge about the grounds in India. The 'C' word strikes again! Escape from jail. That's what South Africa would deem their previous match against Afghanistan. They were nearly made to revisit that 'C' word in that clash. The game should have been done in normal time, in the first ball of the 20th over. But as fate would have it, one mistake cost them and it almost took the match away. Glass is half full - However, the opportunist always looks at the water filled in the glass and not with the space left. The fact that they managed to come out of that Afghanistan game, albeit through huffing and puffing, would have given them a lot of confidence. Mental recovery - Recovery in any sport is not just physical. A lot of it is mental and emotional. The Saffas would be happy with the 2 points they got from that Afghanistan game, but they would have been drained to no end. Have they mentally recovered post that thriller on Wednesday? Only time will tell. History beckons Saffas! 4-0. That's the win-loss record for South Africa over New Zealand in Men's T20 World Cups. Durban, Lord's, Bridgetown and Chattogram. But barring that encounter in the inaugural edition, the win margins have been pretty close - 1 run, 13 runs, while the last one, in 2014, being by just 2 runs. So it has been a case of there and thereabouts for the Kiwis. As far as this particular match is concerned, the Team In Green and Yellow have another headstart over the Kiwis. They have picked up 18 wickets in two matches, as opposed to 12 by the Black Caps. Additionally, they have scored more runs as well, but at the cost of double the wickets. They have batted first in both their games, while the Kiwis have chased in their two openers. Team form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - South Africa - WWLWW | New Zealand - WWLWL. Dew on offer? The conditions in Ahmedabad at this time of the year usually dictate teams to bowl first, with dew set to kick in around 3-3.30 pm GMT. A no brainer for the captain to chase, on winning the toss.