Top News

SA vs NZ: The first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 will be played today on March 4 at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This match between South Africa (Proteas) and New Zealand (Black Caps) is going to be very exciting.

South Africa is unbeaten in the tournament so far, while New Zealand has made it to the semi-finals despite mixed performance. Both teams are trying to win the ICC trophy for the first time, so this match will be great.

form of both teams

South Africa performed brilliantly in the Super 8. They defeated defending champions India by 76 runs, defeated West Indies by 9 wickets and had a close win over Zimbabwe. Under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, the team will enter the field with full confidence.

Whereas New Zealand’s journey was a bit ups and downs. Their match against Pakistan was canceled due to rain, but they defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs. Despite losing to England, they reached the semi-finals due to good net run rate. Mitchell Santner’s team will now have to pull off a big upset.

Head-to-head record

South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other 6 times in the T20 World Cup. Proteas have won all the matches, New Zealand has not got a single win yet.

2007 Quarterfinal: South Africa won by 6 wickets
2009: South Africa won by 1 run
2010: South Africa won by 13 runs
2014: South Africa won by 2 runs
2026 Group Stage: South Africa won by 7 wickets

weather forecast

The weather will be clear and hot in Kolkata. The day temperature will go up to 33°C, at night 19°C. There is no chance of rain. Light west wind will blow (6 mph), humidity will be 29% and UV index will be 8. The match will be completed without any interruption.

Eden Gardens pitch report

The pitch at Eden Gardens is dry and good for batting. The average score of the team batting first has been 182. In recent matches, fast bowlers have taken more wickets (44 vs spinners 31), but true bounce and a fast outfield will make big shots easier to hit. A high-scoring match is expected, 180+ score will be considered good.

Probable playing XI of South Africa

Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Corbin Bosh, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Mafaka, Lungi Ngidi.

New Zealand’s probable playing XI

Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson