South Africa moved closer to securing a place in the T20 World Cup Super Eight after a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Chasing 176 runs, the Proteas made a blistering start, reaching 62 in just four overs. They sealed the win with 17 balls to spare, marking their third consecutive victory in the tournament.

Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with an unbeaten 86 off 44 balls, hitting eight boundaries and four sixes. He reached his half-century in only 19 deliveries. Quinton de Kock contributed 20 runs from 13 balls before being dismissed in the fifth over. Earlier, New Zealand appeared set for a big total after scoring 83 runs in the powerplay but lost momentum following quick wickets.

New Zealand’s innings collapsed after reaching 138 in 14 overs, losing three wickets for just seven additional runs. Mark Chapman top-scored with 48 off 26 balls, while South Africa’s Marco Jansen claimed four wickets to restrict the opposition.