Just a couple of hours remain for the start of the 1st semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand in Kolkata, and the stakes could not get higher than this. A mistake in the last four could undo the hard work of a month. Not to forget, both these sides are chasing their maiden T20 World Cup title; the Proteas had come to the final clash in last WC also, while the Kiwis are one of the more consistent sides in the ICC events.
But then SA have a reputation of being chokers, while NZ are not known to be at their best when playing in semis or final of a tournament.
Match Details
Match: South Africa (SA) vs New Zealand (NZ), Semi-Final 1dewal
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST
Live Streaming: JioHotstar (App & Website)
Pitch report & weather update
Expect a dry kind of pitch at the Eden Gardens, and it could be yet another run-fest in the offing. Side batting first should look to score around 180-190. Pacers might find some purchase early on, but dew might be a factor in the second innings, which will make chasing easier. Meanwhile, there is a 0% chance of precipitation at the venue.
Key players
South Africa
Lungi Ngidi will be the main pacer for the Proteas — who has bagged 12 wickets so far. While Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis have been excellent in the middle order.
New Zealand
If Matt Henry is available for the match, he could hold the key. Rachin Ravindra will have to fire with the bat and ball, and the Kiwis can do the unthinkable.
Predicted playing XIs
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.
Live streaming
The SA vs NZ encounter will be telecast live on Star network, while the live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.
Head-to-head records
South Africa holds the edge against New Zealand for sure. Forget the form, the records of the two sides is quite lop-sided. SA have won 12 matches overall, while NZ have won 7. In the T20 World Cups, SA are ahead by 5-0.
Match prediction: Who will win?
South Africa enter as the favorites, but the possibility of an upset cannot be ruled out. Unless something goes horribly wrong with Aiden Markram’s men, the chances are quite low.
Prediction: South Africa to win and reach their second consecutive final.
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