South Africa Cruise to 7-Wicket Victory as Markram Slams 86*

Over the years, South Africa were often labelled with a negative “c-word” for their World Cup struggles. But tonight, better words fit, clinical, confident and classy. They won easily, with 17 balls remaining and 7 wickets to spare.

The captain led the way. Aiden Markram might have been involved in every over of this match. In the first innings, we saw him constantly stationed at mid-off (long-off at times), in consistent conversation with his bowlers. And then, with the bat, he made the crease his own. Sumptuous boundaries, quick singles, a sense of calm and composure, his 44-ball-86* had it all. That allowed the others to play around him. De Kock, Rickelton, Brevis and Miller contributed with 20s.

Markram shines as South Africa seal comfortable win

However, in all fairness, it were the bowlers who set this win up. Being put into bat, New Zealand were off to a sprightly start. Finn Allen entertained with a knock that had the life of a firecracker. It did not last long, but was sparkling and riveting to watch. Mark Chapman, with his purposeful and swashbuckling stroke-making, and Daryl Mitchell with his poise too impressed with bat in hand. But South Africa kept chipping at the wickets and ensured that they did not get through to a big score.

Marco Jansen, who did not get the new ball today, managed to still hog the headlines with some clever bowling that yielded his team wickets at regular intervals. Keshav Maharaj was clinical too and Kagiso Rabada, might not have picked up a wicket, but came back strongly from his rough outing against Afghanistan to return a laudable 0/27 off his 4 overs.