New Delhi: South Africa will take on New Zealand in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, March 4. Both teams have had different campaigns in the tournament after finding themselves initially placed in the same group in the first round.
South Africa comfortably defeated New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, chasing down a 176-run target in just 17.1 overs, and have arguably been the most dangerous team in the tournament.
The Proteas have thrashed all three of their Super 8 opponents, including India, the West Indies and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, New Zealand advanced through the Super 8 with a solitary victory over Sri Lanka and a shared point off an rain abandoned match against Pakistan.
South Africa have played all their matches in India, which has allowed them to make full use of their pacers. Captain Aiden Markram has been the best opener in the competition, while their middle and lower order, including Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen, have been in sensational form. New Zealand have played T20 World Cup games in both India and Sri Lanka and will rely on their top-order for a flying start in the knockout match.
South Africa vs New Zealand, Head-to-head record in T20Is
Matches – 19 | South Africa won – 12 | New Zealand won – 7
South Africa vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup head-to-head record
Matches – 5 | South Africa won – 5 | New Zealand won – 0
South Africa vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026, Kolkata weather report
According to the Accuweather website, the temperature will be around 33 degrees Celsius during the day and cool down by evening. The temperature during the match will be around 28 to 24 degrees Celsius. There are no chances of rain during the match in Kolkata.
South Africa vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026, Eden Gardens pitch report
The pitch at the Eden Gardens is expected to be batting-friendly for the T20 World Cup clash between South Africa and New Zealand. The surface offers true bounce, which will be helpful for the batters. As the match progresses, spinners might find some assistance in the middle overs.
South Africa vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026, Live streaming details
The T20 World Cup 2026 match between South Africa and New Zealand will begin at 7:00 PM IST on Wednesday, March 4. The toss will happen at 6:30 PM IST. The live telecast of the match will be available on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can live stream the match on the JioHotstar app and the website.