The first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be a thrilling contest as the South Africa national cricket team face New Zealand national cricket team at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Both teams have performed consistently throughout the tournament and are now just one victory away from reaching the final.
It seems South Africa is determined to finish what it started this time. The unbeaten Proteas will face New Zealand in the first semifinal, scheduled to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, March 4.
This will be the second meeting between the two teams in the tournament. South Africa dominated New Zealand in their earlier group-stage clash with a convincing win. The Kiwis are coming off a setback against England, but returning to Indian conditions could work in their favour, as the pitch is expected to suit their style of play.
Weather Forecast – Kolkata
The weather on match day is expected to remain warm and mostly dry. Temperatures could be around 31–33°C during the day and drop to 25–27°C in the evening. Conditions are likely to start with clear or slightly hazy skies, and the chances of rain are minimal. Humidity will be moderate with light winds, making it favourable for a full match under the lights.
Pitch Report – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The pitch at Eden Gardens is expected to favour batters, with plenty of runs likely to be scored. Earlier matches in the tournament have already seen teams cross the 200-run mark on this surface. Batters should be able to play their shots freely from the start.
However, spinners might get some assistance during the middle overs if the pitch dries slightly under lights. Later in the evening, heavy dew is expected, which could make it difficult for bowlers—especially spinners—to grip the ball. Because of this, the team chasing may have a slight advantage.
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other 18 times in T20 internationals. South Africa holds the advantage with 11 wins, while New Zealand have won 7 matches.
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Total matches: 18
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South Africa wins: 11
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New Zealand wins: 7
- No result: 0
Head to Head NZ vs SA in T20 world cup
TOTAL MATCH-5
South africa-5
New zealand-0
All Icc T20 WC match result
2026-SA won by 7 wickets
2014-SA won by 2 runs
2013-SA won by 3 runs
2009- SA won by 1 run
2007-SA won by 6 wickets #ICCMensT20WorldCup #ICCT20WorldCup2026 #NZvsSA— Digbijaya panda (@PandaDigbijaya) March 4, 2026
Squads
South Africa squad:Â Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith.
New Zealand squad:Â Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway.
