T20 World Cup | Three areas Proteas need to improve ahead of New Zealand clash

The Proteas currently holds an unbeaten record in the ongoing 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, having secured victories against Canada and Afghanistan earlier this week.

However, the side is far from being a finished article. Cricket writer Ongama Gcwabe highlights three key areas South Africa must improve before they take the field against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

No-balls

The Proteas' pace attack has struggled with overstepping for a number of years. Be it Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, or Marco Jansen, the quicks have leaked a high number of no-balls over the last couple of seasons.

While these extras have had little impact on results in the past, on Wednesday the "chickens came home to roost". Rabada's no-ball in the 20th over nearly cost the team the match, forcing a dramatic double super over that South Africa eventually won.

Going into the Black Caps clash on Saturday, bowling coach Piet Botha and the seamers will have their work cut out to ensure a more clinical performance with the ball.

Middle-order runs

Thus far, South Africa's top order — Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, and Ryan Rickelton — has shown excellent form. In the two matches South Africa have played, the trio has put together three 50-run-plus partnerships between them, including a century stand between Rickelton and De Kock against Afghanistan.

On the other hand, the Proteas middle order, made up of the explosive trio of Dewald Brevis, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs, is yet to fire. If the Proteas are to progress far into the tournament, middle-order runs will be crucial. The squad will take heart knowing all three batters are in good form, having had strong runs in the SA20 last month.

Kagiso Rabada resurgence

Since his return to action following a month-long layoff due to a rib injury sustained in India in December 2025, South Africa’s premier fast bowler is yet to be at his best. To be fair, the 30-year-old has had very little luck in the ongoing tournament, though he has continued to improve with every spell since his return.

With Lungi Ngidi in great form — having picked up back-to-back Player of the Match awards in the tournament thus far — an in-form Rabada could make for a lethal bowling attack, especially with Marco Jansen also being in decent form with the new ball.

With Rabada bowling as the first-change option in the first powerplay and also at the death, his form could make or break South Africa's chances in the showpiece event.