Jansen Four-For Restricts New Zealand to 175

News Desk 

Ahmedabad:  A clinical bowling display led by Marco Jansen helped South Africa national cricket team restrict New Zealand national cricket team to 175 in their T20 World Cup group-stage clash on a high-scoring Ahmedabad surface.

Electing to bowl after winning the toss, South Africa struck at crucial intervals, with Jansen claiming his maiden four-wicket haul in T20 internationals to derail New Zealand’s middle and lower order.

Early Movement, Powerplay Drama

New Zealand made a watchful start against Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, reaching 9 without loss in two overs. However, Jansen turned the tide in the powerplay. After being struck for a six by Tim Seifert, he responded with a short ball that induced a top edge to dismiss the wicketkeeper-batter for 33 in the fourth over.

Finn Allen looked threatening with a brisk 31 off 17, including a six over long leg, but Jansen’s change of pace deceived him, leaving New Zealand at 58 for 3 inside six overs.

Middle-Order Resistance

Despite losing three wickets in the powerplay, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell rebuilt steadily. The pair added 57 runs in 5.2 overs to revive the innings, taking New Zealand to 121 for 4 in 12 overs. Both batters attacked part-time spin from Aiden Markram, each striking a six to regain momentum.

However, South Africa’s bowlers regained control. Keshav Maharaj dismissed Glenn Phillips, while Jansen returned with a well-disguised slower ball to remove Chapman for a fluent 48 off 26 deliveries, completing his four-for and reducing New Zealand to 138 for 5.

Late Collapse Limits Total

Ngidi then delivered a key blow by dismissing Mitchell with a well-directed on-pace delivery, caught at long-on. New Zealand’s innings lost momentum sharply, managing just 44 runs in the final seven overs.

Mitchell Santner fell attempting to force the pace, edging Corbin Bosch to deep third, and a brief cameo of 23 off 15 from James Neesham was the only late resistance. New Zealand eventually closed at 175, a total that appeared slightly under par on a dewy evening in Ahmedabad.

South Africa Off to Flying Start

In reply, South Africa openers Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock began confidently. Markram struck two elegant drives in the opening over, while De Kock reached the milestone of 3,000 T20I runs with a straight drive off a half-volley.

Low Stakes, High Quality

Both teams had already strengthened their chances of progressing to the Super 8s, making the contest less decisive in terms of qualification. South Africa entered with a 4-0 record over New Zealand in T20 World Cups, although New Zealand had won the three most recent meetings between the sides.

Ahmedabad has been a high-scoring venue under lights, and with South Africa successfully chasing big totals here in recent matches, the Proteas appeared well placed to mount another strong pursuit.

What could have been a virtual knockout instead served as a competitive tune-up between two in-form sides preparing for the Super 8 stage.