New Delhi: Marco Jansen struck an unbeaten 55 off 30 balls to rescue South Africa to a fighting total of 169/8 against New Zealand in their T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final in Kolkata on Wednesday. After the Proteas were reduced to 77 for 5 in the 11th over, Jansen and Tristan Stubbs joined to smash 73 runs for the sixth wicket to take the side to a competitive score.
Jansen brought up his fifty off just 27 ball, playing the perfect role of an anchor for the side after the batters failed to showcase strength in the most crucial clash of the T20 spectacle after they were put into bat first by the Kiwis. All-rounder Cole McConchie started the damage by taking two wickets in two balls in just the second over, claiming the big wickets of Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton (0) off consecutive balls.
ALL FORMATS BEAST – MARCO JANSEN 🥶pic.twitter.com/F1TTzNqgEX
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) March 4, 2026
Jansen comes to the rescue
Rachin Ravindra dropped a sitter, handing a lifeline to Proteas captain Aiden Markram, but returned to dismiss both him and David Miller. Dewald Brevis (34) and Stubbs (29) also chipped in with notable cameos, while pacer Matt Henry took two wickets in two balls at the death. Meanwhile, Jansen struck two fours and five sixes in his 30-ball unbeaten knock after the Kiwi bowlers pushed the Proteas batters against the wall.
Ravindra, McConchie and Henry took two wickets apiece for New Zealand while Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham also picked up a scalp each. Meanwhile, the 73-run stand between Jansen and Stubbs helped them achieve a big record in the T20 World Cup.
50-plus partnerships for 6th wicket or lower in T20 WC playoffs
81* – Marcus Stoinis, Mathhew Wade (AUS) vs PAK, Dubai, 2021 SF
73 – Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs (SA) vs NZ, Kolkata, 2026 SF
68* – Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara (SL) vs PAK, Lord’s, 2009 Final
68 – George Bailey, Pat Cummins (AUS) vs WI, Colombo RPS, 2012 SF
54* – Carlos Brathwaite, Marlon Samuels (WI) vs ENG, Kolkata, 2016 Final
53* – Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson (AUS) vs PAK, Gros Islet, 2010 SF
Brief Scores: South Africa: 169 for 8 in 20 overs (Marco Jansen 55 not out, Dewald Brevis 34; Rachin Ravindra 2/29, Cole McConchie 2/9, Matt Henry 2/34).