South Africa vs New Zealand, 1st Semi-Final ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 The stage is set for an electrifying clash as unbeaten South Africa take on resilient New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This high-stakes encounter at Eden Gardens promises fireworks from two teams known for their never-say-die attitudes.
Scheduled for March 4, 2026, the match kicks off at 7:00 PM IST (local time in Kolkata). Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosts this blockbuster, a venue famous for its electric atmosphere and big scores.
Eden Gardens typically favors batsmen early with consistent bounce from black cotton soil, averaging 161 in first innings across T20Is, with teams batting first and chasing winning equally often. Spinners gain grip later as the surface slows, while pacers find some seam movement under lights. Recent games, like India’s chase of 196 against West Indies, underline its high-scoring potential.
Weather looks ideal with clear skies, no rain threats, temperatures around 20-33°C, high humidity at 94%, and light winds—perfect for uninterrupted cricket.
A spot in the final is on the line, where the winner faces the second semi-final victor. South Africa, yet to lose a match this tournament including a big win over India, chase history after repeated knockout heartbreaks. New Zealand, underdogs led by Mitchell Santner, aim to extend their giant-killing run from group stages and Super 8s.
South Africa arrive in red-hot form, dominating group and Super 8 stages without a blemish, powered by explosive batting and lethal pace. Aiden Markram’s leadership has instilled belief, with recent bilateral wins like a 7-wicket triumph over New Zealand in February 2026. New Zealand showed grit, upsetting stronger sides despite injury concerns, but their momentum dipped in recent T20Is against South Africa.
NZ vs SA Match Details
- Match: New Zealand vs South Africa
- Teams: SA vs NZ 1st Semi-Final
- Date: 04 March 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM 1:30 PM GMT / 7:00 PM LOCAL
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
T20 World 2026 Live Streaming Info
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off on February 7, 2026, and wraps up with the final on March 8, 2026. Hosted across India and Sri Lanka with 20 teams, it spans about a month—group stages from early February, Super 8s mid-month, semis late February/early March, and the final in Colombo or Mumbai.
- In India, tune into Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2) or stream on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema.
- Pakistan viewers can watch on PTV Sports, A Sports, or Ten Sports, with streaming available on Tapmad and Tamasha.
- For Sri Lanka, options include SLRC, Channel Eye, and Siyatha TV on TV, plus Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube and Dialog ViU online.
- UK fans have Sky Sports Cricket, TNT Sports 1, and talkSPORT on television, alongside Sky Go, Discovery+, and NOW TV for streaming.
- In South Africa, SuperSport covers it on TV and via their app.
- Australia might check Fox Sports for TV and Kayo Sports for live streams.
- USA and Canada: Willow TV on TV, Sling TV or Willow HD app for streaming.
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ on TV and Sky Go app.
- Bangladesh: Gazi TV (GTV) and Rabith BD app.
- Afghanistan: RTA Sport and Ariana TV.
Rest of the world: ICC.tv for free streaming where no local rights holder exists. Subscriptions often apply, and VPNs can assist with geo-blocks where permitted.
How to Watch the Match for Free:
Catch every boundary without paying via these official free options, perfect for fans in Pakistan and beyond.
Pakistan: PTV Sports broadcasts all matches live for free on TV via terrestrial, cable, and satellite—no subscription needed.
Live Streaming Info:
The South Africa vs New Zealand, 1st Semi-Final World Cup match will be live on Willow Cricket.
Live Score Info:
Probable XIs
South Africa Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje/Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch.
New Zealand Probable XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Head-to-Head
In 19 T20Is, South Africa lead with 12 wins to New Zealand’s 7, no no-results. Highest scores: NZ 180, SA 185; lowest: NZ 86, SA 87. Last five meetings: SA won by 7 wkts (Feb 2026, Ahmedabad); NZ by 3 runs (Jul 2025, Harare); NZ by 7 wkts (Jul 2025, Harare); NZ by 21 runs (Jul 2025, Harare); SA by 78 runs (2017, Auckland). South Africa hold recent edge.
South Africa Analysis
Strengths lie in a balanced attack—Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje (if fit), and Lungi Ngidi spearhead pace, while Keshav Maharaj spins webs. Batting firepower from Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Dewald Brevis has been clinical. Weakness: occasional middle-order wobbles under pressure. Key performers: Ryan Rickelton (228 runs), Marco Jansen (11 wkts). Recent: Undefeated run builds confidence.
New Zealand Analysis
Spin duo Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi exploits slowing pitches, backed by pace from Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry (subject to availability). Middle-order hitters like Glenn Phillips (176 runs) and Daryl Mitchell provide muscle. Weakness: Top-order fragility without Devon Conway fully fit. Key: Rachin Ravindra’s all-round impact, Finn Allen’s explosive starts. Recent:
Strong showings but losses to SA highlight vulnerabilities.Rabada vs Allen pits express pace against power-hitting; Santner vs Miller tests spin mastery on a grippy track. Jansen’s all-round skills could tilt death overs.
South Africa’s unbeaten streak, superior head-to-head, and pace battery suit Eden’s early bounce, predicting a 15-20 run win batting first or comfortable chase. Proteas edge to final.