NZ Win By 9 Wickets | South Africa vs New Zealand Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final: Finn Allen Slams Unbeaten Ton As Black Caps Reach Qualify For Final

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 Africa’s 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. 

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. 

Tim Seifert reached his half-century in merely 28 balls, while Finn Allen slammed his fifty in 19 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. 

This is a phenomenal start by New Zealand openers, especially Tim Seifert, who has raced into the 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

OUT! Rachin Ravindra gets his comeback, and Aiden Markram falls for 18. Ravindra dropped Markram, but managed to get the better of the batter with his bowling. Markram wanted to up the ante, but perished trying to go over long-on. 

Rachin Ravindra dropped Aiden Markram, who has slowly settled into his innings and has reached 15 off 13. Markram is joined by Dewald Brevis, who has had a hot-and-cold T20 World Cup, and will hope to build a stand. The tactic to bowl James Neesham, was a poor call by Mitchell Santner, as the all-rounder went for 17 runs releasing all the pressue. 

OUT! Cole McConchie is making his mark and gets two-in-two. Ryan Rickelton gets dismissed without disturbing the scorer. Rickelton went for the slash but gave a catch to Finn Allen. 

OUT! Cole McConchie dismisses the dangerous Quinton de Kock, who continues his poor patch against off-spinners. De Kock went for an aggressive shot but handed a catch straight to Lockie Ferguson. A solid start by Black Caps. 

A solid first over from Matt Henry was spoiled by a six from Quinton de Kock, who respected the bowler of this discipline. De Kock and Aiden Markram will look to score briskly for the remaining batter to build upon, given that dew might come into play later in the evening. 

SA XI: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson

TOSS! New Zealand have won the toss, and captain Mitchell Santner opts to field.

Hello and welcome to LatestLY's coverage of T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final 1, between South Africa and New Zealand. South Africa head into the contest unbeaten, while New Zealand have had their trials and tribulations en route to their SF path.