Hamilton: A vintage performance from senior statesmen Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner powered New Zealand to a commanding 68-run victory over South Africa at Seddon Park on Tuesday.

The clinical win sees the Black Caps level the five-match T20I series at 1-1, successfully erasing the memory of their opening-game defeat at Mount Maunganui.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham provided a steady start, stitching together 48 runs in the powerplay. While Latham (11) and Tom Robinson (1) fell in quick succession to Keshav Maharaj and George Linde, Conway remained the anchor of the innings.

The veteran opener top-scored with a classy 60 off 49 balls, laced with five boundaries and two sixes. He found a brisk partner in Nick Kelly, who added a quick-fire 21 off 12. Following Conway’s dismissal, a late-innings explosion from Josh Clarkson (26 off 9*) and Cole McConchie (18 off 12*) propelled the hosts to a formidable 175-6. For the visitors, Wiaan Mulder was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2-14 in a tidy spell.

South Africa’s chase began with intent, reaching 29-0 within five overs. However, the momentum shifted violently when Ben Sears removed Connor Esterhuizen, sparking a catastrophic top-order collapse. Captain Mitchell Santner then took over, dismissing Mulder and suffocating the scoring rate.

When Tony de Zorzi fell for just a single, the Proteas found themselves reeling at 31-3. Despite a brief 28-run resistance from Rubin Hermann (19) and Jason Smith (12), the middle order crumbled under the combined pressure of Santner and James Neesham. George Linde provided a late, defiant cameo with a blistering 33 off 12 balls, but it was far too little, too late.

New Zealand’s bowling unit operated with ruthless efficiency. Lockie Ferguson cleaned up the tail to finish with three wickets, while Ben Sears matched him with impressive figures of 3-14. Santner’s craftiness earned him 2-19, ensuring South Africa were bundled out for a meager 107 in just 15.3 overs.

With the series now deadlocked at 1-1, the action moves to Eden Park, Auckland, for a pivotal third T20I this Friday, March 20. Both sides will be desperate to claim the lead in what is turning into a high-stakes encounter.

By Nawaz Gohar ;  As the floodlights of Eden Gardens prepare to cut through the Bengal haze this Wednesday, the narrative of the 2026 T20 World Cup reaches its most poetic inflection point.

South Africa, a side currently operating with the clinical precision of a Swiss watch, meets New Zealand, a team that remains the undisputed master of the “big game” heist. This is more than a semi-final; it is a collision between the tournament’s most dominant force and its most persistent survivor.

The Proteas: A Dynasty in the Making?
For decades, South African cricket has been haunted by the “near-miss.” However, under the steely leadership of Aiden Markram, the 2026 iteration of the Proteas feels fundamentally different. They arrive in Kolkata not just as favorites, but as an unbeaten juggernaut.

Markram has evolved into the tournament’s tactical heartbeat, leading from the front with a willow that has dictated terms to every bowling attack it has faced. His dismantling of the New Zealand attack during the group stages wasn’t just a win; it was a psychological statement of intent.

The South African roster reads like a balanced ecosystem. In the middle order, the “Three Generations” of David Miller’s veteran cool, Tristan Stubbs’ innovation, and Dewald Brevis’ raw, unadulterated power create a safety net that allows for relentless aggression. On the bowling front, the pace battery of Rabada, Ngidi, and Bosch offers a terrifying blend of hostility and death-over intelligence, while Keshav Maharaj provides the surgical spin control necessary for the Kolkata dirt.

The Kiwi Resistance
Conversely, New Zealand’s path to the Final Four has been a masterclass in pragmatism. While South Africa marched through the front door, the Black Caps navigated a labyrinth of stumbles and net run-rate anxieties. Yet, to dismiss Mitchell Santner’s men based on “convincing” metrics is to ignore the historical DNA of New Zealand cricket.

In Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, they possess the most volatile opening pair in the competition, a duo capable of ending a contest within the first six overs. With Rachin Ravindra acting as the versatile pivot between bat and ball, the Kiwis have the tactical flexibility to adapt to an Eden Gardens surface that may offer late-evening grip but remains susceptible to the neutralizing effects of dew.

Statistically, the balance tilts heavily toward Pretoria. South Africa holds the superior T20 World Cup head-to-head record and carries the momentum of a side that has forgotten how to lose. However, the ghost of ICC knockouts past always looms large.

For South Africa, this match is about internal liberation, a chance to shed the “choker” label once and for all. For New Zealand, it is about maintaining their reputation as the ultimate “bracket-buster.”

Logic dictates a South African victory, but at Eden Gardens, logic often takes a backseat to legacy. If Markram’s men can survive the first ten overs of Kiwi chaos, they won’t just reach the final; they will finally redefine what it means to be a Protea on the world stage.

By Nawaz Gohar ; India, the West Indies, and South Africa have become the first teams to officially qualify for the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Barring any mathematical miracles or major upsets, these three teams have confirmed their tickets to the next round.

According to the latest standings, India (Group A), West Indies (Group C), and South Africa (Group D) sit comfortably at the top of their respective tables with 6 points each. While their positions are secure,

any unexpected losses in their remaining fixtures could force a reliance on Net Run Rate (NRR) to determine final seeding. Out of the 40 scheduled group-stage matches, 27 have been completed, leaving 13 decisive encounters to finalize the Super Eight lineup.

While India has sailed through with three consecutive wins, a fierce battle for the second spot has emerged between the USA and Pakistan. If Pakistan fails to win its final match against Namibia, the qualification will be decided by NRR between Pakistan and the USA. In this group, the Netherlands has managed one win, while Namibia remains winless.

Group B remains the most unpredictable. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have had strong starts with 4 points each. Australia and Ireland follow closely with 2 points, while Oman has yet to open its account. With several matches remaining, no team from this group has officially secured a Super Eight spot yet.

With three wins from three matches, the West Indies are virtually through to the next stage. England, currently on 4 points, is fighting hard to secure the second slot. Meanwhile, Scotland and Italy have 2 points each, and Nepal remains at the bottom of the table without a win.

South Africa has dominated Group D with 6 points, making them a strong contender for the title. New Zealand follows in second place with 4 points.

The UAE has managed to secure 2 points from one victory, while Afghanistan and Canada have struggled to gain any points so far. The final round of group matches will be crucial in determining which teams join the top seeds in the Super Eight.

South Africa have announced 15-man experienced squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

In included in the squad, South Africa’s 10 players have competed at the last World Cup in India in late 2023, Reuters reported.

Temba Bavuma captains the side that plays pool games against Afghanistan in Karachi on Feb. 21, Australia in Rawalpindi on Feb. 25 before returning to Karachi for their final Group B match against England on March 1.

Anrich Nortje, who missed out on the World Cup due to injury, makes his return to the squad after recovering from a left toe injury.

Fellow seamer Lungi Ngidi missed the recent home series against Pakistan because of a groin injury but has been named in the squad.

“This squad boasts a wealth of experience, with many players having consistently performed in high pressure situations. That kind of experience is invaluable in a tournament like this,” said coach Rob Walter.

“We’ve managed to maintain the core group of our 2023 World Cup squad, whilst adding fresh talent.

“Our recent performances show that we’re capable of reaching the latter stages of global tournaments. We’re eager to take the next step and go even further in pursuit of the coveted silverware,” he told a virtual press conference.

Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

South Africa beat Pakistan by 10 wickets in second Test

Earlier, Pakistan were all out for 478 runs in their second innings, leaving South Africa needing 58 more runs to win the second Test.

The host chased down the target with all wickets in hand.

Pakistan started their incomplete second innings on the fourth day with 213 runs and one wicket down, with Shan Masood at 103 and Khurram Shehzad at 8 runs.

Khurram Shehzad was dismissed for 18 runs, while Kamran Ghulam also got out for 28. Captain Shan Masood, after scoring 145 runs, returned to the pavilion. Salman Agha was out for 48 runs, and Rizwan made 41 runs before being dismissed.

Aamir Jamal made 34 runs, Khurram Shehzad scored 18, and Mir Hamza contributed 16 runs. Saeem Ayub could not bat due to injury. Babar Azam was dismissed for 81 runs on the third day of the match.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj each took 3 wickets, Marco Jansen took 2, and Keegan Petersen claimed 1 wicket.

It is noteworthy that South Africa scored 615 runs in their first innings, to which Pakistan responded with only 194 runs, falling victim to follow-on.

South Africa won the series 2-0, after defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the thrilling Centurion Test.

Series whitewash ;
This emphatic victory marks South Africa’s second consecutive Test series whitewash, underlining their strong form heading into the World Test Championship final.

Final scores ;

South Africa 1st Innings: 615 all out

Pakistan 1st Innings: 194 all out

Pakistan 2nd Innings: 478 all out

South Africa’s Target: 58/0

Pakistan Playing XI ; Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.

South Africa Playing XI ; Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka

Cape Town Test Day 2: South Africa all out for 615 in the first innings, Pakistan 3 for 64

(Asghar Ali Mubarak)

In the second Test against Pakistan, the South African team was all out for 615 in the first innings, in response to which the national team lost 3 wickets for 64 runs at the end of the second day.

In the second Test match being played in Cape Town, South Africa scored 615 runs in the first innings thanks to Ryan Rickleton’s 259, Timba Bawma’s 106, and Kyle Vereen’s 100 runs.

In the last session of the second day, the national team’s start in the first innings was very disappointing. Due to Saim Ayub’s injury, Babar Azam opened the innings with Shan Masood, but the captain proved to be a guest of only 2 runs.

Kamran Ghulam, who came to bat at number three, could also score only 12 runs, while vice-captain Saud Shakeel returned to the pavilion without opening his account. Babar Azam is at the crease with 31 runs and Mohammad Rizwan is at 9 runs.

Kagiso Rabada took 2 wickets and Marco Johnson took 1 wicket for South Africa. Earlier, South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first.

The first wicket of the host team fell for 61 runs, South African opener Aiden Markram was caught by wicketkeeper Rizwan off the ball of Khurram Shahzad after scoring 17 runs.

Wien Mulder, who came in third, also got caught by Rizwan off the ball of Mohammad Abbas after scoring 5 runs for a total score of 70, while Tristan Stubbs, who came in third, was caught by Rizwan off the ball of Agha Salman and returned to the pavilion without opening his account.

After this, Proteas captain Timba Bavuma and Ryan Rickleton put on a 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket and brought the team into a stable position. Timba Bavuma was dismissed for 106 runs, while Ryan Rickleton not only scored his first double century but also played a career-best innings of 259 runs.

Kyle Vereen also played a brilliant innings for South Africa to complete his fourth century, Marco Johnson scored 62 and Keshav Maharaj played an aggressive innings of 40 runs.

For the national team, Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha took 3 wickets each, while Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza took 2 wickets each. In the early overs of the first day of the match, Pakistani batsman Saim Ayub was injured when his foot twisted near the boundary line while fielding. He was taken to the hospital for an X-ray due to severe pain.

Earlier, Pakistan made one change in the playing XI for the second Test against South Africa, replacing Naseem Shah with fast bowler Mir Hamza.

Pakistan’s playing XI for the second Test against South Africa consists of captain Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Mughal, Muhammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad and Muhammad Abbas.

It should be noted that South Africa has a one-nil lead in the Test series. After suffering a whitewash at home in the ODI series, South Africa had defeated Pakistan by 2 wickets in an exciting match in the first Test to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship.

Second Test: Ryan Rickleton and Temba Bavuma hit centuries on the first day

, South Africa scored 316 runs for 4 wickets

(Asghar Ali Mubarak)

South Africa scored 316 runs for 4 wickets against Pakistan at the end of the first day of the second Test match thanks to the brilliant centuries of Ryan Rickleton and Temba Bavuma.

In the second Test match being played in Cape Town, South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first. The first wicket of the host team fell for 61 runs. South African opener Aiden Markram was caught by wicketkeeper Rizwan off the ball of Khurram Shahzad after scoring 17 runs.

Wien Mulder, who came in third, also scored 5 runs and was caught by Rizwan off the ball of Mohammad Abbas for a total score of 70, while Tristan Stubbs, who came in third, was caught by Rizwan off the ball of Agha Salman and returned to the pavilion without opening his account.

After that Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickleton put on a 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket and put the team in a stable position.

Temba Bavuma was dismissed for 106 runs while Ryan Rickleton was unbeaten on 176 runs. Agha Salman dismissed two players for the national team.

In the opening overs of the match, Pakistani batsman Saim Ayub was injured when his foot twisted near the boundary line while fielding.

He was taken to the hospital for an X-ray due to severe pain. Earlier, Pakistan made one change in the playing XI for the second Test against South Africa, replacing Naseem Shah with fast bowler Mir Hamza.

Pakistan’s playing XI for the second Test against South Africa consists of captain Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Mughal, Muhammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad and Muhammad Abbas. It should be noted that South Africa has a one-nil lead in the Test series.

After suffering a whitewash at home in the ODI series, South Africa qualified for the final of the World Test Championship by defeating Pakistan by 2 wickets in an exciting first Test.

Marizanne Kapp was again South Africa’s hero as they edged a thrilling tussle with New Zealand, getting home with two wickets and three balls to spare.

Sophie Devine’s 93 was ultimately in vain as New Zealand put on a below-par 228 in Hamilton, Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail taking three apiece as the White Ferns lost their last six wickets for 30 runs.

Laura Wolvaardt responded with a big knock of her own, making 67, before South Africa suffered their own collapse, slipping to 217 for eight. However, they held their nerve with Kapp’s unbeaten 34 sealing another narrow win.

New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat, but opener Suzie Bates could only manage her third single-digit score of the tournament as she was clean-bowled by Ismail’s raw pace for four.

Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr rebuilt steadily, bringing their fifty partnership up off 81 balls before Kerr fell for 42 as she was trapped LBW off the bowling of South Africa captain Sune Luus.

Amy Satterthwaite went for one when she was caught behind by Trisha Chetty in the next over as New Zealand slipped to 88 for three.

In her 50^th ODI appearance, Maddy Green built a handy partnership with Devine who brought up her half century in 62 balls with back-to-back fours off Luus, as she once again played the anchor role for the White Ferns.

Green departed for 30 from 58 deliveries when she was run out by a sharp throw from Wolvaardt to Chetty behind the stumps, ending an 80-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Brooke Halliday justified her promotion to the starting XI by rotating the strike nicely, but the White Ferns hopes hung with skipper Devine.

Once she was dismissed, bowled by Khaka for 93 from 101 balls, the collapse began as Katey Martin felt the force of Ismail’s frustration when she was bowled for nine before the fast bowler let out a roar.

Player of the Match Kapp then catapulted herself into the game by bowling Halliday for 24, and with her went, or so it seemed, any kind of resistance.

Hannah Rowe would fall the very next ball as the hosts crumbled to 220 for eight, the usually dangerous Lea Tahuhu went for a duck as Ismail got another before their innings came to an end 13 balls early as Jess Kerr became Khaka’s third victim, taking her to 10 for the tournament.

New Zealand had collapsed from 168 for four in the 36^th over to 228 all out, the final four wickets falling for the addition of just eight runs.

Lizelle Lee made a fast start to the chase, she and Wolvaardt were seeing the ball beautifully until the former was run out when Wolvaardt went for a third that her partner was never prepared for.

Tazmin Brits looked shaky when she joined the free-scoring Wolvaardt in the middle, knowing her position in the team was in jeopardy after a run of false starts.

She was unable to kick on again, making just 18 runs from 38 balls before Martin stumped her off the impressive leg-spin bowling of Amelia Kerr to see South Africa end the 18^th over on 74 for two.

Wolvaardt was then dropped on 34 before moving to her half-century off 72 balls as she and Luus built a strong partnership, helping halt the climbing run rate as New Zealand ran out of ideas with the ball.

But, as always, Kerr was a cut above dismissing Wolvaardt for 67 from 94 balls to end an 87-run partnership at a crucial time. Kerr would get another when Mignon du Preez’s 150^th appearance ended in disappointment as she was expertly caught behind by Martin for one.

Luus’ 50 came off 67 balls but it was surrounded by a string of dot balls for her and Kapp that brought South Africa back to needing a run a ball.

The captain fell when Martin took her second consecutive catch, Rowe taking a deserved wicket before Chloe Tryon’s misjudged shot found Kerr in the field and she departed for 14 to leave South Africa wobbling on 198 for six.

Like Tryon, Chetty sent up a high catch and this time Frances Mackay held on off her own bowling to pull South Africa further into another thriller.

Ismail was also sucked into a big swing but missed and was bowled by Devine, while Khaka’s own heave landed safely to get Kapp on strike where she crucially remained for the final over.

Kapp took four off the first ball from Mackay followed by a single to leave Khaka the all-important job of hitting the winning run, which she did the very next ball to earn South Africa a first World Cup win over New Zealand and extend their unbeaten run to four matches and leave the hosts facing a must-win clash against England next.

Scores in brief

South Africa beat New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton by two wickets
New Zealand 228 all out in 47.5 overs (Sophie Devine 93; Amelia Kerr 42; Shabnim Ismail 3/27, Ayabonga Khaka 3/31)
South Africa 229/8 in 49.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 67, Sune Luus 51; Amelia Kerr 3/50, Frances Mackay 2/49)
Player of the Match: Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

South Africa sealed a dramatic six-run win to deny Pakistan a first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup win in 17 games.

South Africa’s slow start was rescued by Laura Wolvaardt, whose 75 runs was her highest score in a World Cup, but the Proteas could still only set Pakistan a below-par 224 to win.

Pakistan built healthy partnerships but fell way behind the run rate thanks to disciplined bowling and they fell agonisingly short despite all-rounder Nida Dar’s fine 55.

Lizelle Lee’s return to the South Africa side lasted only seven balls before she was expertly caught behind by Sidra Nawaz.

Sidra would take another fine diving catch as Tazmin Brits was dismissed for two runs to leave South Africa on 21 for two, her move down the order not paying off.

Her former opening partner Wolvaardt made steady progress to her eighth 40-plus score in nine World Cup innings.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Wolvaardt and South Africa however, the Proteas reaching just 65 for two in the first 20 overs before back-to-back boundaries off Ghulam Fatima saw the 22-year-old move to 56 from 76 balls.

Ghulam would get her revenge as Wolvaardt had to go, caught and bowled for 75 off 91 balls as Ghulam earned a wicket on her return to the ODI side after five years in the wilderness.

Mignon du Preez would fall for a duck in the same over as Omaima Sohail pulled out another diving catch to add to Pakistan’s highlight reel.

Marizanne Kapp could only hold her head in her hands as she sent the ball straight to Sidra Ameen as Ghulam took another and South Africa slipped to 120 for five.

Having survived two reviews for lbw earlier in the innings, Sune Luss showed restraint as she and her vice-captain Chloe Tryon added 55 for the sixth wicket before Tryon departed softly for 31 as she was caught and bowled by Nashra Sundhu.

It was third time lucky for Pakistan as Luus was finally dismissed lbw but not before scoring 62 from 102 balls.

It was then Fatima Sana’s turn to take two in an over, dismissing Shabnim Ismail and Trisha Chetty as South Africa ended on 223 for nine.

Ismail then returned the favour in the fourth over of the reply as she reduced Pakistan to 26 for two in a double-wicket maiden, dismissing Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof back-to-back, both sending edges to fielders.

Omaima joined Nahida Khan at the crease and her first act was to miss the hat-trick ball attempting a cut shot.

She and Nahida put together a valuable 50 partnership, the first for the pair in ODIs, coming off 81 balls, before Nahida would go for 40 off 71 as Ayabonga Khaka picked up her fifth wicket of the tournament, ending the 69-run partnership.

Nida Dar joined Omaima, who continued her fine run-scoring, bringing up her 50 from 83 balls with a quick single off Ismail.

Pakistan then went 44 balls without a boundary before a brave chip down the ground for four from Omaima reminded South Africa that Pakistan were still in the chase.

Nida and Omaima then piled on more pressure sending Masabata Klaas for 11 runs only for Klaas to dismiss Omaima for 65 off the very next ball, with Lee taking her 50th catch in ODIs.

The dangerous Aliya Riaz did not trouble the scorers, dismissed for her first duck in two years to leave Pakistan needing 79 runs from 70 balls with five wickets remaining.

Fatima played an entertaining knock of nine from eight balls before being dismissed lbw by Khaka and Sidra would soon follow.

After countless run-out chances, South Africa pulled off two to decide the match, first Khaka dismissing the anchor Nida Dar for 55 before the final wicket of Ghulam earned South Africa a six-run win with Ismail’s fine death bowling crucial again.

Scores in brief

South Africa beat Pakistan at Bay Oval, Tauranga by six runs
South Africa 223/9 in 50.0 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 75, Sune Luus 62; Fatima Sana 3/43, Ghulam Fatima 3/52)
Pakistan 217 all out in 49.5 overs (Omaima Sohail 65, Nida Dar 55; Shabnim Ismail 3/41, Ayabonga Khaka 2/43, Marizanne Kapp 2/43)
Player of the Match: Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)

Pakistan Blind Cricket Team whitewashed South Africa Blind Cricket team after an easy victory in the third and last T-20 International by 163 runs. The Men in Green had already won the three-match ODI series with 3-0.

The 3rd and the last T-20 International of the Pakistan vs South Africa Blind Cricket series was played at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad. In the morning, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Team won the toss and decided to bat first.

The Veteran Muhammad Akram who has been playing his last T-20 Int’l match opened the innings with Badar Munir for Pakistan and both openers got retired out after scoring Fifties. Pakistan scored massive 314 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Badar Munir scored 62 off 22 Balls while Muhammad Akram made 51 off 24 Balls. Mathula Dhlamini took 1 wicket for South Africa.

The target of 315 runs was too hard for South Africa and they made only 151 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Fredrik Andreas was the main run-getter with 39 runs off 24 balls while Bhule Bhidla chipped in with 29 runs off 29 balls. Sajid Nawaz and Muhammad Akram took 3 and 2 wickets respectively while Badar claimed a wicket apiece.

Result: Pakistan won by 163 runs Man of the Match: Badar Munir Mr Ali Shahzad Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad, Mr. Abdul Sattar DEO Special Education Faisalabad, Mr Salman Tariq Bukhari Director PBCC, Dr Anwar Ali Sial Director PBCC and Mr Navid Nazir former first class cricketer were the Guests of the occasion distributed prizes amongst the players.

Man of the series in B1 Category: Zafar Iqbal
Man of the series in B2 Category: Moain Aslam
Man of the series in B3 Category: Muhammad Rashid