Marco Jansen made his competitive debut in 2018. In the next 8 years, the tall all-rounder had batted 87 times in T20 matches. Just 5 half-centuries and a mere 1 in T20Is in 19 innings. In the South Africa vs New Zealand semifinal in the T20 World Cup 2026, Jansen registered his career-high score in T20Is.
Come the big moment, the tall man stood up, figuratively and literally. The Proteas were struggling after the Kiwis put them in to bat first. Despite Dewald Brevis’ efforts, South Africa was 77/5 in 10.2 overs. After watching India chase down 196 against the West Indies just 3 days ago, the Proteas were sweating bullets.
Marco Jansen stands ball for South Africa
Granted, the surface was helping the bowlers a bit more, but it wasn’t a pitch where half of your side should be gone in 10 overs. From there, Jansen, along with Tristan Stubbs, dragged South Africa into the game. After taking a handful of balls to settle down, Jansen started to swing hard.
The all-rounder struck 5 sixes; all of the other South African batters combined hit 6. His wingspan helped him drag the ball from anywhere to hit on the leg side. Stubbs played second fiddle throughout. His 24-ball 29 helped South Africa get into the game, but it was Jansen’s unbeaten 55-run knock from just 30 balls that helped the Proteas even think about winning.
South Africa scored 92 runs in the last 9.4 overs; 55 of those came from Jansen’s willow. It turned out to be the second-highest score by a number 7, or lower, batter in the history of T20 World Cup knockout matches. An innings to remember, especially if the Proteas manage to steal a win over the Kiwis.
Highest score in T20 World Cup knockouts (No. 7 or lower)
60 (24)* – Michael Hussey, Australia vs Pakistan (2010)
55 (30)* – Marco Jansen, South Africa vs New Zealand (2026)*
41 (17)* – Matthew Wade, Australia vs Pakistan (2021)
35 (24)* – Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (2009)
34 (10)* – Carlos Brathwaite, West Indies vs England (2016)
