New Zealand have secured their place in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 following a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chasing a target of 170, the Black Caps reached the total with 40 balls to spare, ending South Africaās unbeaten run in the tournament. Finn Allen shone with a sensational 100, which came off 33 balls, while Tim Seifert scored a brisk 58, helping New Zealand ace the chase.Ā
Despite the fall of Tim Seifert's wicket, the flow of runs is not stopping, and Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra are keeping the scoreboard ticking. Kagiso Rabada provided South Africa the much-needed breakthrough, dismissing Seifert for 58. This match is New Zealand's to lose from hereon.Ā
Tim Seifert reached his half-century in merely 28 balls, while Finn AllenĀ slammed his fifty inĀ 19Ā balls. The duo has raced to a 100-run stand in 47 balls, which included 12 fours and five sixes.
Carnage in Kolkata as New Zealand score 84 runs in the powerplay. Tim Sefiert and Finn Allen have added 84 in 36 balls, with both batters striking over 190. South African pacers have been taken to the cleaners, including Lungi Ngidi.Ā
This is a phenomenal start by New Zealand openers, especially Tim Seifert, who has raced into theĀ late 20s in no time. Marco Jansen, who shone with the bat, has been looted for runs in his two overs, costing 29. The Black Caps will hope Seifert and Finn Allen convert this stand into a sizeable one.Ā
A good first over for New Zealand, as Tim Seifert scored 11 off Marco Jansen. Siefert and Finn Allen will hope to provide New Zealand a steady start, given the slowness of the pitch that comes into play with the older ball. South Africa will bank on their quicks to get early wickets.Ā
Marco Jansen has played a blinder of an innings and managed to see South Africa past the 160-run mark. Jansen reached his fifty in 27 balls, which included five sixes and two fours. A few bowling decisions from Mitchell Santner looked dubious, which proved to be poor in the end. Jansen top-scored for Proteas with 55, while Rachin Ravindra shone with 2 for 29.
Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbshave just upped the ante and reached their 50-run stand in 39 balls. Jansen has been the aggressor here, scoring 29, while Stubbs is yet to launch into fifth gear. An important phase of the match in the final few overs of the first innings.
New Zealand are currently in control of the contest, with half of South Africa's batting order back in the hunt. Marco Jansen and in-form Tristan Stubbs are crucial for the Proteas here, who were 77 for 5. Jansen and Stubbs have added 24 off 222 helping South Africa cross 100-run mark.Ā
OUT Rachin Ravindra has been phenomenal with the ball this tournament. Ravindra gets the wicket of in-form David Miller. Miller went for the maximum, but could only manage height as the fielder at long-on take a clean catch.Ā
South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Live Score Updates Online:Ā Ā The stage is set at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, as an unstoppable South Africa take on the ever-resilient New Zealand onĀ Wednesday, 4 March.Ā You can findĀ South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team match scorecard here.Ā The Proteas enter the knockout stage as the tournament's only undefeated side, having secured seven consecutive victories. Conversely, Mitchell Santnerās New Zealand progressed as runners-up from their Super Eight group, relying on a superior net run rate to edge out Pakistan.Ā Mumbai Weather and Rain Forecast for India vs England T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Match.
South Africaās Quest for Glory
Aiden Markramās men have been the standout performers of the tournament, combining explosive batting with a disciplined bowling attack. Their journey to the final four was highlighted by a dominant Super Eight campaign where they defeated heavyweights India and the West Indies.
The Proteas' batting has been led by Markram himself, who has amassed 268 runs at a strike rate of 175. However, the true strength has been their bowling depth; Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada have consistently provided early breakthroughs, while Keshav Maharaj has restricted scoring in the middle overs. South Africa are looking to reach their second consecutive T20 World Cup final after falling just short in 2024.Ā Kolkata Weather and Rain Forecast for South Africa vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Match.
New Zealandās Big Match Temperament
Despite a mixed Super Eight stage that included a washout against Pakistan and a loss to England, New Zealand remain one of the most dangerous sides in ICC knockout cricket. The Black Caps are renowned for their tactical flexibility and ability to perform when the stakes are highest.
The return of pace spearhead Matt Henry, who briefly flew home for the birth of his second child, is a massive boost for the Kiwis. Much of the focus will also be on Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert, who have provided the bulk of the runs for New Zealand throughout the tournament. Captain Mitchell Santner will look to use his spin-bowling variations to stifle a South African middle order that includes the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen.Ā ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Schedule: Who Plays Whom.
Ā Squads
South Africa National Cricket Team:Ā Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs
New Zealand National Cricket Team:Ā Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie













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