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South Africa vs New Zealand Live Score: An unbeaten South Africa take on New Zealand in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, March 4.
South Africa vs New Zealand: Kolkata weather forecast, Eden Gardens pitch reportAiden Markram-led Proteas have won all seven of their games so far in the tournament. They have also defeated co-hosts and hot favourites India to establish themselves as the team to beat at this T20 World Cup.
New Zealand have already lost to South Africa in the group stage but they have done well to qualify for the semifinals. Mitchell Santner-led BlackCaps have lost once each in the group stage and in the Super 8s but would want to put their best foot forward for the semifinals.
South Africa favourites against New Zealand
The two teams met in the group stage earlier in this tournament and South Africa showed that they were the better team. Markram hit an 86 not out while Marco Jansen picked up a four-wicket haul as the Proteas crushed New Zealand by seven wickets with 17 balls still in hand.
South Africa’s batting and bowling both have more firepower than New Zealand who will have to play out of their skins to outplay the Proteas.
Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller and Dewald Brevis all are in fine form with the bat for South Africa while Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch are starring with the ball. New Zealand, on the other hand, are still trying to find their standout star for the tournament. A lot will depend on the opening pair of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen can change any game and so can the all-round abilities of Glenn Phillips. The Kiwi bowling line-up will have their task cut out, especially if it is a flat pitch.
The fact that South Africa have never lost to New Zealand in T20 World Cups, winning all five matches in the contest, further gives the Proteas confidence to make it to their second straight final at the tournament. Overall, South Africa lead New Zealand 12-7 in all T20Is.
New Zealand vs South Africa squads
New Zealand Squad: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway, Cole McConchie
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Jason Smith, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka