New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to defeat South Africa in a one-sided semi-final and secure their place in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing a competitive total boosted by Marco Jansen’s late assault, the Kiwi openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen produced explosive half-centuries to seal victory in emphatic fashion.
Here is a recap of the key moments from the first semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, March 4.
Marco Jansen powers South Africa to 169 after early strikes
South Africa’s top order was shaken early by New Zealand spinner Cole McConchie, who claimed two wickets in successive deliveries in the second over to remove Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton.
Captain Aiden Markram struggled for fluency, making 18 from 20 balls before being dismissed by Rachin Ravindra just after the powerplay. Ravindra struck again around the middle of the innings when he removed David Miller for six, finishing with figures of 2-29.
A few deliveries later, Jimmy Neesham ended Dewald Brevis’ promising knock of 34 off 27 balls.
With the Proteas reeling at 77-5 in 10.2 overs, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen mounted a counterattack with a 73-run stand that carried South Africa beyond 150. Stubbs contributed 29 from 24 balls, while Jansen hammered an unbeaten 55 off just 30 deliveries, striking five sixes and two fours.
Late wickets from Matt Henry (2-34) and Lockie Ferguson (1-29) prevented further acceleration as South Africa finished on 169-8.
Seifert and Allen dominate chase
New Zealand’s response began in devastating fashion as Tim Seifert and Finn Allen tore into the South African attack, adding 117 runs for the opening wicket in only 9.1 overs.
Seifert scored 58 off 33 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. He reached his half-century from just 28 deliveries before Kagiso Rabada dismissed him around the halfway stage of the chase.
Allen led the charge from the outset, attacking aggressively during the powerplay and bringing up a half-century in just 19 balls. The opener went on to produce a remarkable unbeaten 100 from 33 deliveries, registering the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. His innings featured eight sixes and 10 boundaries, including the shot that sealed the victory for New Zealand.
The Black Caps completed the chase in 12.5 overs, winning by nine wickets.
Rachin Ravindra remained not out on 13 from 11 balls as New Zealand ended South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
First T20 World Cup win over South Africa
The result also marked New Zealand’s first victory over South Africa in the history of the T20 World Cup, after losing their previous five encounters in the competition.
The Black Caps have now advanced to the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Mitchell Santner’s side will face either India or England in the title match later this week at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
