With their Super 8 slots 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 in contrasting ways, 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 the 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 before Lungi Ngidi's 4/31 sealed a comfortable victory.
Against Afghanistan, however, they were pushed to the limit. Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61) guided them to 187/6, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 84 forced a tie. South Africa eventually prevailed in a dramatic double Super Over with Miller and Stubbs delivering under pressure and Keshav Maharaj closing it out. The Proteas, on the other hand, have played both their matches at this same venue, one day game and the other a day-night contest, giving them valuable familiarity with the pitch and conditions. That could be a significant factor.
The Ahmedabad surface has offered good bounce and carry, aiding stroke-play, while also assisting seamers who hit the deck hard. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Ngidi, has already adjusted to the conditions, and their batsmen have experienced the pitch across different match scenarios. In a tournament where margins are fine, such familiarity, particularly under lights, can prove decisive, especially if dew becomes a factor in the second innings.
For New Zealand, the key battle could be upfront. Seifert and Finn Allen’s aggressive starts have set the tone, but South Africa's new-ball attack will test them early. Conversely, the Black Caps’ seamers, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, will look to strike against de Kock and Rickelton in the power play.
South Africa's experience of batting first and chasing at this venue provides flexibility at the toss. If dew sets in, chasing could again become advantageous. New Zealand, on the other hand, have shown composure in pursuit but are yet to defend a total under significant scoreboard pressure. The contest may ultimately hinge on who controls the power play: both with bat and ball.
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