South Africa vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final: Finn Allen's Destructive Century Power Kiwis To Summit Clash

New Zealand defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

South Africa entered the competition unbeaten as they won every game across the group stages and the Super 8. But they were finally caught off-guard by New Zealand who have now become the first finalists of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first considering dew could come later. The pitch had grip and was two-paced in nature initially. South Africa batters struggled to get going, specially after Cole McConchie scalped two wickets in two balls in just the second over of the game. He removed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickleton quickly and South Africa were under pressure.

Aiden Markram tried to stich a partnership with Dewald Brevis and bring South Africa back in the game, but Rachin Ravindra kept the pressure on them and Markram got holed out in the deep to Ravindra. David Miller and Brevis followed him soon and South Africa were down to 77/5 in no time.

The pitch eventually started getting better and Marco Jansen's 30-ball 55 along with Tristan Stubbs' support drove South Africa to a competitive 169/8. Although it looked competitive on paper, in Eden Gardens, the score was difficult to defend.

New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen gave no chance to the bowlers. They demolished the Proteas attack, scoring 84/0 in the powerplay. The ball started coming nicely to the bat and both batters utilised it to their fullest. South Africa's poor fielding didn't help their case at all.

Allen scored a 19-ball fifty and Seifert brought it up in 28 deliveries. The duo put up a partnership of 117 runs in 9 runs and put the game to bed. After Seifert was cleaned up by Kagiso Rabada, Allen along with Rachin Ravindra took them over the finishing line.

Allen brought up his century in just 33 deliveries.

New Zealand will clash with the winner of the India vs England second semi-final on March 08, Sunday.

South Africa vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final: Toss Update

New Zealand have won the toss and elected to field first in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026.

South Africa vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final: Playing XIs

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

South Africa: 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

South Africa vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final: Streaming Details

The semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. It will also be streamed live on the Jio Hotstar app. The live action will begin from 7:00 PM IST