Proteas’ remarkable turnaround: Learning from mistakes in T20 World Cup victory over New Zealand
South Africa's Kagiso Rabada (L) speaks with captain Aiden Markram during the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 14, 2026. Picture: Shammi MEHRA / AFP
Image: Shammi MEHRA / AFP
While players like Marco Jansen and skipper Aiden Markram grabbed the headlines in South Africa’s thumping T20 World Cup win over New Zealand over the weekend, there was one aspect of the Proteas’ game which went largely unnoticed.
That is, of course, the extras they conceded. During the New Zealand innings, South Africa conceded just one extra in total, and that was a leg bye.
This is in stark contrast to their previous game against Afghanistan, in which they bowled 14 extras, which included two no-balls and 11 wides.
Kagiso Rabada’s final over during the Afghanistan chase is by now most infamous as he bowled two no-balls and two wides in those six balls alone. That led to an incredibly exciting finish with two Super Overs needed before South Africa emerged victorious - in a clash they should have won in convincing fashion.
Rabada’s Dominance and Ngidi’s Leadership Shine in Kiwi Match-Up
However, flash forward to the Kiwi match-up, and none of those careless errors were anywhere to be seen.
Rabada, in particular, was back to his best. Even though he didn’t take a wicket, his four miserly overs cost just 27, which allowed other bowlers like Jansen (4/40) to strike. Just for good measure, Rabada also bowled the most dot balls - with 10 in total against New Zealand.
If there was one constant among the bowlers, though, it has to be Lungi Ngidi. As the leader of the attack, Ngidi has been the most impressive Proteas quick at this tournament.
The 29-year-old has eight wickets after three games, that see him occupy second place in the wicket-taking charts with eight strikes. Interestingly, SA-born Shadley van Schalkwyk, now playing for the USA, leads the way with 13 wickets.