New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets in the Semi-Final of the 2026 ICC WT20. This match was played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first keeping in mind the dew factor. South Africa lost both Quinton De Kock and Rickelton cheaply as they were put under early pressure. Cole McConchie picked up both the wickets. Aiden Markram stitched up a partnership with Dewald Brevis as they were 48/2 at the end of the power play and the game was right in the balance at that stage with both teams throwing punches.
After the power play it was New Zealand bowlers once again who were all over South Africa. Aiden Markram tried to take on Rachin Ravindra but it came off the cue end and he ended up giving a straight catch to long-on. It was a struggle for the South African captain as he was dismissed for 18 of 20 balls. Rachin Ravindra continued his good work as he picked up the wicket of David Miller in his next over as South Africa were four down at the end of the 10 over mark.
Jimmy Neesham came in and picked up Brevis immediately but Stubbs along with Jansen stitched up a partnership as South Africa bounced back. Jansen scored a good half century but New Zealand ended the innings well as they restricted South Africa for 169/8 at the end of the first innings. It was a below par score on that surface.
New Zealand batters took away the game in the power play as they smashed 84/0 in the first six overs. It was dominance by both the openers as they completely took South Africa out of the game. Both batters continued their good form and both of them went past their half centuries and also brought up the 100 run partnership for the first wicket. It was too easy from there and New Zealand cruised home the chase with nine wickets spare. Allen scored a century of just 33 balls as New Zealand chased it down within 13 overs. Finn Allen was the player of the match for his terrific innings and New Zealand have booked their spot for the Final on March 8 and they will face either India or England in the grand final of the 2026 WT20.
