IPL 2024

Fans question third umpire as Aiden Markram falls to a controversial catch decision during SA vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinal 1 clash at Eden Gardens

By Sandy Verma

After an incredible unbeaten run throughout the Super 8 stage, South Africa are currently under heavy pressure from a disciplined New Zealand side in T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal 1. The match has already seen a major talking point with the controversial dismissal of the South African captain.

The controversy surrounding Aiden Markram’s catch

When South African skipper Aiden Markram was dismissed in the eighth over, the match took a controversial turn. Facing Rachin Ravindra, Markram tried to loft a shot down the ground but didn’t quite time it, sending a flat chance towards long-on. Daryl Mitchell came charging in and claimed a low, diving catch just inches off the grass. Mitchell himself seemed unsure, immediately signaling for the umpires to check it, and replays were incredibly close. Despite many fans feeling the ball may have touched the turf, the third umpire stuck with the on-field ‘Out’ signal. It was a huge moment that left Markram returning to the pavilion at a pivotal point and the crowd frustrated.

Also READ: SA vs NZ, Semi Final 1: Mitchell Santner wins toss and elects to bowl against South Africa

The Marco Jansen rescue act for South Africa

South Africa’s innings started like a total nightmare after they were put in to bat. They lost both openers, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, to Cole McConchie in the very second over, leaving them stuck at 12/2. Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis tried their best to fix the damage with a 43-run stand, but then things got messy. Markram was sent back after that controversial catch, and soon David Miller and Brevis followed him to the dugout.

At 77/5, it looked like the Proteas were going to crumble for a tiny score and ruin their unbeaten streak. That’s when Marco Jansen walked out and completely flipped the script.

He smashed a massive 54 off only 29 balls. Jansen was hitting everything out of the middle, clearing the ropes five times and giving the New Zealand bowlers a real headache in the final overs. He found a solid partner in Tristan Stubbs, and together they dragged the score from a disaster to a very respectable 171/8. Jansen brought up his fifty with a pair of huge sixes, reaching the milestone in just 27 balls and giving the South African fans something to scream about. It was the kind of gritty, fearless knock they desperately needed. Now, the bowlers actually have a total they can defend, and the momentum has definitely shifted back towards the South African camp as they head into the second half.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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