New Zealand set a 170-run target after restricting South Africa to 169 for eight in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final at Eden Gardens.
New Zealand set a 170-run target after restricting South Africa to 169 for eight in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final at Eden Gardens.KOLKATA – New Zealand need 170 runs to defeat South Africa after the Proteas posted 169 for eight in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
The Blackcaps, led by Mitchell Santner, won the toss and elected to field in the high-stakes encounter. South Africa’s innings was anchored by a powerful unbeaten knock from Marco Jansen, who struck 55 off 30 balls, including five sixes and two fours. His late acceleration helped the Proteas recover from a stuttering middle phase and push towards a competitive total. The Proteas suffered early setbacks after being asked to bat. Captain Aiden Markram managed 18 off 20 deliveries before falling to Rachin Ravindra, while wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock contributed 10 from eight balls. Ryan Rickelton was dismissed for a duck, leaving South Africa under pressure inside the powerplay. Dewald Brevis attempted to rebuild with an enterprising 34 off 27 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes, before being removed by James Neesham. David Miller failed to make an impact, scoring six, as New Zealand maintained tight control through the middle overs. Tristan Stubbs added useful momentum with 29 from 24 balls, striking two fours and a six, but Lockie Ferguson’s breakthrough prevented South Africa from fully capitalising. Jansen then took charge in the closing overs, producing a clean-hitting display that lifted the scoring rate significantly. He remained unbeaten alongside Keshav Maharaj, who added one run at the end. South Africa were aided by 14 extras, including 12 wides, as they closed their innings at 169 for eight in 20 overs. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s decision to bowl first reflected confidence in his side’s chasing ability at Eden Gardens. The two teams entered the semi-final with contrasting head-to-head numbers. South Africa hold the overall advantage in T20 Internationals with 12 wins to New Zealand’s seven from 19 meetings. In T20 World Cup history, the Proteas had maintained a perfect 5-0 record over the Blackcaps prior to this contest.Tim Seifert , Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner , James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie FergusonAiden Markram , Quinton de Kock , Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi NgidiIndia postpone training session due to lunar eclipse ahead of T20 World Cup semi-finalICC rankings: Sahibzada Farhan inches closer to becoming world's No 1 T20 batterNo shortage of petroleum products, 28-day reserves available: FinMinUS orders non-emergency consular staff to leave PakistanWorld War 3? Missile Attack Modi Visited Israel Before Iran Strike Shocking Report Dunya NewsIran Another Terrible Attack Trump Shocked Israel On ChaosIranian Military in Action Attack On Israel Chaos Erupt in Israel & Devastation ReportedPak Army Gains More Ground Major Shift on the Battlefield Pak Afghan War Conflict
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