New Delhi : New Zealand played brilliant cricket and defeated South Africa by 9 wickets in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
South Africa batted first and scored 169 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs. Marco Jansen played a strong knock and remained not out on 55 runs. Dewald Brevis made 34 runs and Tristan Stubbs added 29. But the total was not enough.
New Zealand started the chase in an attacking style. Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert played fearless shots from the first over. They added 117 runs for the first wicket in just over 9 overs. This partnership almost finished the match early.
Seifert scored 58 runs before getting out. After that, Allen did not slow down. He continued hitting boundaries and sixes all around the ground. He scored a powerful century in only 33 balls and stayed not out till the end.
Rachin Ravindra supported him with 13 runs as New Zealand completed the target in just 12.5 overs, with 43 balls still left.
With this easy win, New Zealand have reached the final. They will now play against the winner of the India vs England match.
South Africa’s journey in the tournament has ended with this loss.