South Africa secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup with a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their final Super 8s Group 1 match in Delhi. Despite an all-round effort from Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, the Proteas chased down 154 to remain unbeaten in the tournament. The win sets up a semi-final against New Zealand.
In the Super 8s Group 1 clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium on 1 March 2026, Zimbabwe elected to bat first and posted 153-7 in 20 overs. Captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with 73 off 43 balls, including eight fours and four sixes, rescuing the innings after an early stumble to 28-2. He shared a 38-run stand with Dion Myers (11) and a 39-run partnership with Clive Madande (26 not out). South Africa's bowlers struck back in the middle overs, with Kwena Maphaka taking 2-21 and Corbin Bosch claiming 2-40. Lungi Ngidi also contributed by trapping Ryan Burl lbw, becoming South Africa's leading T20I wicket-taker with 90 dismissals.
Chasing 154, South Africa lost three early wickets in the powerplay, slipping to 43-3. Raza struck with his off-spin, dismissing openers Quinton de Kock (0) and Aiden Markram (4), while Ryan Rickelton made 31 off 22. Dewald Brevis then provided momentum with 42 off 18 balls, featuring four sixes, in a crucial 50-run fourth-wicket partnership with David Miller (22 off 16). Both fell quickly, leaving South Africa at 101-5 with 53 needed from 56 balls.
George Linde (30 not out off 21) and Tristan Stubbs (21 not out off 24) steadied the innings with an unbroken 53-run stand off 43 balls, guiding the Proteas to 154-5 in 17.5 overs. Raza finished with 3-29. The victory extended South Africa's unbeaten run to seven matches, topping Group 1 and earning a semi-final against New Zealand on 4 March at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Zimbabwe, making their first Super 8s appearance, were eliminated with three losses.
Former Australia wicketkeeper Ryan Campbell noted on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "South Africa are going to be hard to stop. They have ticked every box in this tournament." Raza was named player of the match for his all-round performance.
