South Africa takes on New Zealand in first semifinal to book final spot of ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Both teams are yet to win a World Cup title and will be desperate to break the long standing drought. The match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Having won all seven matches, South Africa are clear favorites to reach the final. New Zealand on the other hand lost to South Africa in the group stage. In Super 8, their match against Pakistan was abandoned, they lost to England and secured a win over Srilanka.

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A better run rate compared to Pakistan ultimately secured them the crucial semifinal spot in the tournament. But it doesn’t matter how you reach the semifinals, it now depends on how you perform tonight in semis.

In 19 T20Is between the two teams, South Africa has won 12 matches while New Zealand have secured seven. Kiwis yet to win a match against South Africa in World Cups.

Team News

Matt Henry has arrived back in Kolkata after taking paternity leave for the birth of his second child. He is likely to be included in the playing XI. In Colombo they used five spinners but in Kolkata they may include James Neesham instead of Cole McConchie.

New Zealand Probable XI:- Tim Seifert (wk) , Finn Allen , Rachin Ravindra , Glenn Philips , Mark Chapman , Daryl Mitchell , Mitchell Santner (c) , Jacob Duffy , Jimmy Neesham , Matt Henry , Lockie Ferguson.

Marco Jansen , Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj are likely to be back after being rested in the previous match against Zimbabwe.

South Africa Probable XI:- Quinton de Kock (wk) , Aiden Markram (c) , Ryan Rickelton , Dewald Brevis , David Miller , Tristan Stubbs , Marco Jansen , Corbin Bosch , Kagiso Rabada , Keshav Maharaj , Lungi Ngidi.

Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch at Eden Gardens is expected to be batting friendly, promising a high scoring semifinal contest. The weather is expected to be clear and sunny with no chance of rain.

Time

Match will begin at 07:00 PM , IST.