ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Day 8: Black Caps' bowling struggles as Markram powers big SA win

In this episode of the show, Raj and Stu look back at Day 8 of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which featured three games: Ireland v Oman, England v Scotland and New Zealand v South Africa.

We start the show by discussing the Black Caps' top of the table clash against South Africa, which unfortunately didn't go the way the New Zealanders were hoping. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen raced out of the gates, and Mark Chapman & Daryl Mitchell rebuilt the innings, but a stuttered finish left them short of a par score. And from the moment the ball hit Aiden Markram's bat, South Africa looked completely in control. We talk about the Black Caps' bowling struggles, possibly not giving Markram's brilliance enough credit as we search for answers to the powerplay problems.

In the second match of the day, England took on Scotland, who built a nice platform thanks to a strong partnership between Richie Berrington & Tom Bruce, before a flurry of wickets from Liam Dawson & Adil Rashid put the brakes on. With the bat, England weren't exactly commanding, but a Tom Banton half-century led them across the line and left them well-placed for a Super 8 spot.

Ireland began Day 8 of this World Cup batting like a side with nothing to lose, looking to set the tone early against an Oman team also searching for their first victory. Unfortunately for them, wickets fell as Oman's spinners found a nice length, until a lifeline for Lorcan Tucker on 18 completely flipped the game.

To round out the show, the boys look ahead to Day 9, which sees Nepal face the West Indies, Namibia v USA and the blockbuster of all blockbusters between India and Pakistan in Group A.

We'll be back in your feed again tomorrow with the next instalment of our T20 World Cup coverage. Until then please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or !) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our website.
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0:00 Intro
0:50 New Zealand v South Africa
17:55 England v Scotland
27:45 Ireland v Oman
35:10 Day 9 preview: India v Pakistan the big game