South Africa has made three changes to the playing XI, while New Zealand are going into the game with two specialist spinners
South Africa and New Zealand will take on each other at the iconic Eden Gardens in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026. Both teams will look to put their best foot forward in an attempt to come out on the right side of the result after the match and book their spot in the final.
If we talk about the form of the two teams, South Africa is the only team that is still unbeaten going into its eighth match of the tournament, while New Zealand are coming into the contest on the back of a loss against England in its last match of the Super Eight.
For South Africa, the onus will be on the captain Aiden Markram, who has been in magnificent form in this competition and would look to carry the same into this particular match as well.
Markram would also hope to get good support from other batters as well, and will also back their bowlers to keep the opposition batters in check.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will rely on the pacers to get the team off to a good start, having decided to bowl first so as to increase the chances of restricting South Africa to a below-par total.
Captains’ Corner
Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner, after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, said that the pitch looks good and is expected to be flat and hoped they can make early inroads and restrict South Africa to a below-par total. Santner confirmed that Matt Henry, who had returned home, has linked up with the squad and is playing the game.
Aiden Markram, the captain of South Africa, said that it is nice that the team is not dependent on one or two players. Talking about this match, Markram said they will look to bat well and put a good total on the board while acknowledging the fact that dew might play a part in the second innings.
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Playing XI
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson
Pitch Report
The surface for the first semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata is expected to assist the spinners, being on the drier side, meaning that the batters will have to play with caution in the initial few overs in order to get used to the pace and bounce of the surface.
Also Read: IND vs ENG T20 World Cup Semifinal: Three Possible Changes That India Can Make for the Knockout Game
