Plays of the day | Ryan Rickelton's 103-meter six steals the show in Ahmedabad

Following South Africa's seven-wicket victory over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, Cricket Reporter Ongama Gcwabe picks Five Plays of the Day

Ryan Rickelton's 103m monster 

When a powerful batter such as Rickelton walks in to bat with the score on 60 odd in the fifth over of the run-chase, the worst thing a bowler can do is drop it full and straight. New Zealand's Jacob Duffy did exactly that and was absolutely hammered by Rickelton, hitting the ball over the mid-wicket boundary, for a monstrous 103-meter six. Though Rickelton lasted only 11 deliveries, his 21 was important in South Africa landing a dominant victory over the Blackcaps. 

A captain's knock 

When Markram opens his account with back-to-back cover drives for a four, it is easy to tell that he is in the mood for runs. His unbeaten 86 off 44 deliveries on Saturday was both an explosive and a measured knock. What was impressive was how he challenged himself to explode in the first powerplay for as long as possible. As a result, he brought up South Africa's fastest half-century in T20I cricket, as he reached the milestone in only 19 deliveries and led the side over the line 17 deliveries to spare.  

Maharaj's Wicket  

A day-and-night game in India is often a nightmare for the bowlers, particularly for the spinners, due to the dew, which makes it hard for them to grip the ball. As a result, South Africa dropped spinner George Linde and included quick Corbin Bosch in the playing XI on Saturday. However, they kept spinner Keshav Maharaj.

The slow left-arm orthodox produced a beautiful delivery just outside off stump to the right-handed Glenn Phillips, a delivery that just held its line, deceiving Phillips, who thought the bowl was turning away from him, only to find the inside edge back into his stumps. It was a sight to savour for Maharaj, like it would be for any spinner. 

Shot of the day 

There is something irresistible about Markram's cover drives. It's even more when he fully lashes into one, with one knee on the ground and times it to perfection. That's precisely what he did to a half volley from fast bowler Lockie Ferguson. He lunged into it, with no intention to keep the ball on the ground and successfully lofted it over the cover boundary for six, sending the packed crowd in Ahmedabad into a frenzy as they were in awe of the confidence from the Proteas captain to execute such a shot against one of the world's fastest bowlers in Ferguson. 

Championship Attitude

It is clear that the Proteas mean business in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in India. The effort in the field has been commendable. From the stops on the field, the effort behind each delivery and the tempo that the batters have shown throughout their innings proves just how hungry this side is, hungry to show that reaching the final in 2024 was not a fluke and that they are a side that deserves respect.