Taking a glance at what happened the last time New Zealand and South Africa played in a World Cup semi-final
NZ vs SA World Cup Semifinal: Remembering Grant Elliott’s Heroics in The 2015 Classic. (Image Credits: ICC X)
South Africa and New Zealand have a history of producing some thrilling matches, especially in World Cups. A similar heart-stopping game took place during the 50-over World Cup semi-final in 2015 at the Eden Park in Auckland as we take a look it ahead of another knockout clash in T20 World Cup 2026.
In what was a shortened game of 43 overs due to rain in Auckland, South Africa had opted to bat. Faf du Plessis (82) and then captain AB de Villiers (65) struck half-centuries, while David Miller provided finishing touches with 49 to take the Proteas to 281/5 in their stipulated 43 overs. The target for the Black Caps was routed to 298.
New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum provided an electrifying start to the hosts alongside Martin Guptill, stitching a 71-run opening only in 6.1 overs. McCullum was dismissed by Morne Morkel for 59 off 26 deliveries. The Kiwis suffered a mini meltdown when Kane Williamson (6) and Ross Taylor (30) perished. However, Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson brought their side back into the contest. With South Africa missing a handful of opportunities, it all came down to 12 needing off the last six balls and five off the final two.
Elliott, a South African by birth, latched on to the length delivery from Dale Steyn and clubbed it over long-on for a six, leaving the Proteas in agony. After the right-hander roared, he lifted a crestfallen Steyn, with the likes of De Villiers and Morkel seen in tears.
The Kiwis had also defeated South Africa convincingly in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final contested in March 2025 in Lahore. Chasing a daunting 363 for victory, the Proteas could manage only 312 in their 50 overs.
Nevertheless, South Africa lead the head-to-head stat in T20Is between the two countries, winning 12 out of 19 matches.
