New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first against unbeaten South Africa in the first semi-final of the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Cole McConchie and Rachin Ravindra took key wickets to limit South Africa to 169 for eight, with Marco Jansen unbeaten on 55. The Black Caps now need 170 to reach the final in Ahmedabad.
The match began on March 4, 2026, at Eden Gardens, where New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to field first, citing a good pitch and potential dew later. South Africa, who have won all seven of their tournament matches, including a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the group stage, aimed to post a strong total in the knockout clash.
Offspinner Cole McConchie struck early, dismissing Quinton de Kock for 6 and Ryan Rickelton for 0 in his first over, leaving South Africa at 12 for 2. Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis steadied the innings with a 43-run partnership, adding 48 for 2 in the powerplay. Markram, dropped by Rachin Ravindra on 3 at midwicket, reached 17 before Ravindra redeemed himself by dismissing him caught by Daryl Mitchell.
Brevis scored 34 before chipping Jimmy Neesham to extra cover. David Miller made 6, caught at long-off after being dropped earlier. Tristan Stubbs contributed 29, including a four and six off Neesham, before Lockie Ferguson bowled him with a slower ball. Marco Jansen then accelerated, hitting three sixes and reaching his 27-ball fifty, while adding 50 with Stubbs.
In the final over, Matt Henry, returning after the birth of his second child, took two wickets for 6 runs, including Corbin Bosch with a yorker and Kagiso Rabada caught at long-on. South Africa finished at 169 for 8, with Jansen 55 not out and Keshav Maharaj 1 not out.
Santner said post-toss: “The pitch looked pretty good the other night. We know they are a great outfit and we need to do our thing, put them under pressure and see what happens.” Markram responded: “Everyone contributed at some stage which is really pleasing. Hopefully we can start well with the bat and put a good score on the board.”
The pitch features square boundaries of 62 and 66 meters, straight at 74 meters, with some cracks possibly causing early movement. Pommie Mbangwa and Aaron Finch noted minimal dew in the previous match but expected more tonight. The winner advances to face the England-India semi-final victor in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
