With 4 matches remaining in the group stage, the fight for the 2nd spot is still on with the Kiwis primed to take the final spot.
Aiden Markram's unbeaten 86 made sure the Proteas got the much needed win as they become the first team to clinch qualification.
The Black Caps are expected to maintain their aggressive play in the powerplay while focusing on improving their ability to defend totals if needed.
With top spot in Group D at stake, it will be a high-intensity contest between New Zealand and South Africa in Ahmedabad
The winner of the New Zealand vs South Africa match will almost confirm their place in the Super 8 stage
With Super 8s qualification virtually assured, unbeaten New Zealand and South Africa will clash here on Saturday in what is shaping up as a straight fight for the top spot in their T20 World Cup group. Both teams have won their opening two matches, but through contrasting paths, setting up a contest that could determine not just Group D supremacy but also momentum heading into the Super 8s. New Zealand have looked clinical. After restricting Afghanistan to 182/6, they chased down the target in 17.5 overs, powered by Tim Seifert's 65 and brisk contributions from Glenn Phillips (42), Mark Chapman (28) and Daryl Mitchell (25 not out). Earlier, Seifert and Finn Allen had dismantled UAE in a 10-wicket win, overhauling 174 in just 15.2 overs. South Africa, meanwhile, have combined firepower with composure under pressure. They amassed 213/4 against Canada with skipper Aiden Markram striking 59 off 32, and David Miller (39 not out) and Tristan Stubbs (34 not out) finishing strongly befor
Calling contests against South Africa "fierce", New Zealand pacer Matt Henry on Friday said the long-standing rivalry between the two sides adds an extra dimension to their crucial T20 World Cup clash, which could potentially decide the group winner. Both New Zealand and South Africa approach the Saturday's game unbeaten in Group D. Matches between the Black Caps and the Proteas have often been tight, high-stakes affairs, and Henry acknowledged that history and sporting culture have played their part in shaping the rivalry. "You always want to play the best sides. Growing up, whether it was rugby or cricket, New Zealand versus South Africa were always the games you wanted to be part of. There's that natural competitive edge between the two countries and nothing changes in a World Cup," Henry said at the pre-match press conference. "It's a fierce competition and something we absolutely love being involved in." The Saturday's encounter could determine the group topper but Henry insi
ICC T20 World Cup HIGHLIGHTS: The Afghanistan vs South Africa produced a gem of the game, where both teams fight it till the end of two super overs. But Proteas prevail in the second super over.
Afghanistan, despite their valiant performances, have been winless after two games in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The Proteas enter the fixture in high spirits after a commanding 57-run win over Canada in their campaign opener
Afghanistan will be aiming to bounce back after a tough loss to New Zealand in their T20 World Cup opening match.
Aiden Markram's South Africa come into this match with a boost of confidence after a commanding 57-run victory over Canada. With that win under their belt, they'll be eager to maintain their momentum.
With New Zealand and South Africa starting their campaigns with a win, it is the Kiwis who stay on top with back-to-back wins in the group.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram said his side clicked in all three departments of the game in their comfortable 57-run win over Canada in their opening Group D match of the T20 World Cup here on Monday. Markram led from the front with a flamboyant half-century as South Africa registered a comprehensive win over Canada. Sent in to bat, Markram blasted 10 fours and a six on way to a 59 off 32 balls. Ryan Rickelton (33), Quinton de Kock (25), Tristan Stubbs (34) and David Miller (39) also made useful contributions as South Africa posted 213 for 4 after being asked to take first strike. In reply, Canada could manage just 156 for 8 in their stipulated 20 overs with Navneet Dhaliwal (64) emerging as their top scorer. "Important (to win), we've seen at the start, anyone can beat anyone. You don't take anyone lightly. All three areas we were solid tonight. (Selection) Always conditions based, but doesn't make it easier. Guys are pushing to be part of the XI, going to be a squad effort .
Skipper Aiden Markram led from the front with a flamboyant half-century as South Africa registered a comprehensive 57-run win over Canada in their opening Group D T20 World Cup match here on Monday. Sent in to bat, Markram blasted 10 fours and a six on way to a 59 off 32 balls. Ryan Rickelton (33), Quinton de Kock (25), Tristan Stubbs (34) and David Miller (39) also made useful contributions as South Africa posted 213 for 4 after being asked to take first strike. In reply, Canada could manage just 156 for 8 in their stipulated 20 overs with Navneet Dhaliwal (64) emerging as their top scorer. Canada had a torrid start to their chase, losing skipper Dilpreet Bajwa who edged a Lungi Ngidi (4/31) delivery to wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock in the first ball of the innings. Thereafter, Dhaliwal and Yuvraj Samra piled up 17 runs in the first two overs before losing two wickets. Ngidi struck twin blows in the third over, first removing Samra as he edged one to de Kock and then two balls la
South Africa begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Canada, looking to lift their recent form after a mixed run since the 2024 final defeat to India
Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada will be vital for South Africa on a batting-friendly surface in Ahmedabad
The partnership has been launched with an interactive campaign titled Craziest Fan Kaun, which allows users to create personalised avatars using Gemini's image-generation capabilities
Ishan Kishan scored 53 runs off just 20 balls, with the help of two fours and seven sixes, before getting retired out
Saikat was also part of the ICC umpires' panel for the India vs New Zealand ODI series played last month