New Zealand sealed their place in the final with an incredible 9-wicket victory over South Africa

ICC Men's T20 World Cup – 1st Semi-Final
South Africa vs New Zealand

Kolkata, March 4, 2026

New Zealand sealed their place in the final with an incredible 9-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semi-final. Finn Allen’s century ensured New Zealand won in just 12.5 overs, leaving South Africa stunned.

Jansen’s Counterattack Helps South Africa Reach 169/8

South Africa got off to a steady but inconsistent start. They lost early wickets, restricting themselves from scoring at a faster pace. However, there were sparks of intent from Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis.

South Africa lost momentum in the middle overs, scoring only 101/5 in 14 overs. However, Marco Jansen changed the game with his counterattack.

Marco Jansen scored a 27-ball fifty, including 2 fours and 5 sixes, alongside Tristan Stubbs, who contributed 50* off 30. They helped South Africa reach 150+ in the 18th over. South Africa finished at 169/8, perhaps just short on a batting-friendly Kolkata surface.

New Zealand’s Explosive Powerplay Sets the Tone

If South Africa thought they would be in control of the game, they were in for a rude awakening as New Zealand had other plans.

New Zealand’s batting lineup put up a show for the ages as they reached 84/0 in six overs. In the third over of the powerplay, South Africa decided to review an appeal to dismiss Tim Seifert. But they got it wrong as Tim Seifert remained not out.

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen put up a show as they put together a 50 in 25 balls. They reached their century partnership in 47 balls. At drinks in the six-over mark, they were already at 84/0. Tim Seifert got to his 28-ball fifty as Finn Allen accelerated the pace.

Finn Allen’s Record-Breaking Blitz

Finn Allen put up a show for the ages as he hit an incredible 100* in 33 balls. Allen hit 10 fours and 8 sixes as he tore apart the South African bowling lineup.

New Zealand reached 150 in 12.1 overs as they chased their target. They reached 173/1 in 12.5 overs as they chased their target with 43 balls to spare.
Player of the Match

Finn Allen was the undisputed hero:

100* off 33 balls

10 fours, 8 sixes

Match-winning knock in a World Cup semi-final

Match Summary

South Africa: 169/8 (20 overs)
Marco Jansen 55 (27)

New Zealand: 173/1 (12.5 overs)
Finn Allen 100* (33)

Result: New Zealand won by 9 wickets (43 balls remaining)

With this emphatic victory, New Zealand march into the T20 World Cup 2026 final in dominant fashion. South Africa’s campaign ends in heartbreak once again, while the Black Caps look unstoppable heading into the title clash.