Aiden Markram lauds Marco Jansen following Player of the Match four-for against Blackcaps

Proteas captain Aiden Markram praised Marco Jansen for his Player of the Match four-wicket haul to help South Africa land a dominant seven-wicket victory over New Zealand and secure qualification to the next stage of the competition. 

Jansen (4/40) accounted for New Zealand’s opening pair, Tim Seifert (13) and Finn Allen (31), a pair that was deemed one of the tournament’s most feared batting combinations in the ongoing T20 World Cup. 

The 25-year-old also accounted for Rachin Ravindra (13) and Mark Chapman (48), helping South Africa reduce the Blackcaps to 175/7 and eventually win the match by seven wickets with 17 balls to spare. 

“He is a very different left arm. Really tall, of course, and bowls different types of deliveries, which is a big strength for him and a big strength for us as well,” Markram said. 

“I feel he’s been bowling pretty well in this competition and maybe hasn’t got the numbers that show or match that.

“To take four poles for us tonight and keep breaking partnerships for us throughout the middle there and towards the back end is really important as well.”

🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨#TheProteas storm to an emphatic 7-wicket victory, cruising to the top of Group D! 🇿🇦🔥

An absolutely clinical performance tonight, led superbly by the captain as the chase was wrapped up in style. 💪🏏#Unbreakable #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/cG3KqHjzqL

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 14, 2026

Markram also put together a captain’s knock, as he finished unbeaten on 86, a knock which included eight boundaries and four maximums. 

Most importantly, Markram’s knock proved that South Africa has one of the most destructive opening pairs as South Africa smashed 83/1 in the first powerplay. 

“Ultimately, it’s trying to get the team off to good starts. I think we’ve got quite a set and experienced batting order. There’s a lot of power, and it’s about managing it through the right phases,” said Markram.

“Up front, you’ve seen how teams are taking on the powerplay. We’ve been meaning to try that. That’s not always going to come off. But when it does come off, at least we feel like we’ll get ahead of the game.”