LIVE | T20 World Cup semi-final: Proteas vs New Zealand
· The South African
South Africa have been flawless in their march to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals, but head coach Shukri Conrad has warned there can be no room for complacency when they face New Zealand at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, 4 March.
The match is due to start at 15:30 (SA time).
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Unbeaten
The Proteas are the only unbeaten side left in the tournament and appear a far more complete T20 outfit than the team that fell at the final hurdle in 2024.
They also defeated New Zealand during the group stage and have since assumed the favourites’ tag that initially rested with defending champions India.
India take on England in the second semi-final on Thursday, 5 March.
“I’m glad that we’re favourites, because I’ve always felt that as a South African team you want to be able to play as a favourite,” Conrad said, suggesting his side are embracing the pressure.
Firepower Across the XI
Led by captain Aiden Markram, South Africa have combined power with control throughout the tournament.
The top order of Quinton de Kock, Markram and Ryan Rickelton has consistently provided fast starts in the powerplay, while the middle order has ensured momentum is rarely lost.
Their bowling attack has been equally impressive.
Kagiso Rabada’s hard lengths and Marco Jansen’s left-arm bounce have troubled batters, with Lungi Ngidi’s variations proving effective across different phases of the innings.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has provided control in helpful conditions, while Markram has used himself strategically for favourable match-ups.
New Zealand’s Knockout Pedigree
Despite South Africa’s dominance, New Zealand remain a dangerous knockout opponent.
Openers Finn Allen and either Devon Conway or Tim Seifert can disrupt bowling attacks in the powerplay, while all-rounder Rachin Ravindra anchors and accelerates as needed.
Power-hitters Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell provide firepower at the death.
The Black Caps may be without fast bowler Matt Henry, who has returned home on paternity leave. Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamieson could step in as replacements.
Could pose a threat
Spin, however, remains a strength.
Captain Mitchell Santner offers accuracy and control, while leg-spinner Ish Sodhi could pose a threat to South Africa’s right-hand-heavy middle order.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter noted that conditions at Eden Gardens will present a fresh challenge.
“We faced them in Ahmedabad, which I think is a venue that they’ve grown pretty used to given that they’ve spent a fair bit of time there,” Walter said.
“The semi-finals will be in a different venue. It will provide a different challenge.”
With a place in the T20 World Cup final at stake, South Africa will look to maintain their composure – and their unbeaten record – against a New Zealand side renowned for rising to the occasion.