New Zealand Won by 9 Wickets vs South Africa – T20 WC 2026 Semi-Final Full Scorecard
Nobody saw this coming — and that’s what makes it so special. New Zealand have crushed South Africa by 9 wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, ending the Proteas’ unbeaten run in the most emphatic way possible.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has its first finalist — and it’s New Zealand, who are now just one win away from lifting the title for the very first time in their history.
Match Summary – South Africa vs New Zealand
South Africa were restricted to 169/8 in their 20 overs. New Zealand then chased it down in just 12.5 overs — losing only one wicket. With 43 balls to spare.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | 1st Semi-Final, T20 WC 2026 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Date | 4 March 2026 |
| Toss | New Zealand (elected to field) |
| South Africa Score | 169/8 (20 overs) |
| New Zealand Score | 173/1 (12.5 overs) |
| Result | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Finn Allen – 100* (33 balls) |
South Africa Innings – 169/8
South Africa had a disastrous start. Ryan Rickelton was gone for a duck off the very first ball he faced, and Quinton de Kock followed quickly for 10. At 12/2 inside two overs, the Proteas were in real trouble.
Captain Aiden Markram tried to rebuild but fell for 18. Dewald Brevis looked threatening with 34 off 27 but was removed at a critical moment, and when David Miller went for just 6, South Africa were staring at a below-par total at 77/5.
The innings was rescued — partially — by Marco Jansen. Coming in down the order, the left-hander launched an extraordinary assault, smashing 55 off just 30 balls with 2 fours and 5 sixes. Tristan Stubbs added 29 before being bowled by Ferguson, but it was Jansen who dragged South Africa to a competitive 169.
South Africa Top Scorers
| Batter | Runs | Balls | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Jansen | 55* | 30 | 183.33 |
| Dewald Brevis | 34 | 27 | 125.92 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 29 | 24 | 120.83 |
| Aiden Markram | 18 | 20 | 90.00 |
New Zealand Bowling Figures
- Matt Henry — 4 overs, 2 wickets (34 runs) — flew back from NZ and delivered
- Rachin Ravindra — 4 overs, 2 wickets (29 runs, economy 7.25)
- Cole McConchie — 1 over, 2 wickets (9 runs) — stunning cameo with the ball
- Lockie Ferguson — 4 overs, 1 wicket (29 runs)
New Zealand Innings – 173/1 in 12.5 Overs
What followed was one of the most breathtaking chases in T20 World Cup history. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen came out and simply dismantled one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament.
The opening partnership produced 117 runs in just 9.1 overs before Seifert was dismissed by Rabada for 58 off 33 balls. By then, the game was already over.
But Finn Allen was just getting started.
Finn Allen – The 33-Ball Century
Allen’s innings will be talked about for years. He reached his fifty off just 19 balls, then accelerated further. His century came off 33 balls — 10 fours and 8 sixes. A strike rate of 303.03. In a semi-final. Against an unbeaten South Africa.
Marco Jansen’s over alone went for 53 runs as Allen treated the bowling with complete contempt. By the time Rachin Ravindra joined him, it was a formality — New Zealand knocked off the remaining runs with 43 balls still unused.
New Zealand Chase Breakdown
| Batter | Runs | Balls | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finn Allen* | 100 | 33 | 303.03 |
| Tim Seifert | 58 | 33 | 175.75 |
| Rachin Ravindra* | 13 | 11 | 118.18 |
This was a stunning team performance — brilliant bowling first up, then an unstoppable batting display. Check out where all four semi-finalists stood heading into the knockouts via the T20 WC 2026 points table.
South Africa’s Unbeaten Run Ends
South Africa came into this game with seven wins from seven. They were the tournament favourites. They had already beaten New Zealand once in the group stage — by 7 wickets. But knockout cricket is a completely different game, and tonight New Zealand showed exactly why.
The Kiwis won the toss, bowled first, and set the tone with two early wickets inside 2 overs. South Africa never truly recovered. New Zealand then chased it with such authority that the match felt over well before the halfway point of their innings.
For full team-by-team stats and tournament profiles of both sides, visit the complete T20 WC 2026 squad and team details.
New Zealand in the Final
New Zealand have now done what they couldn’t manage in 2021 — they’re back in a T20 World Cup final. This time around, the quality of their performance suggests they believe they can go all the way.
Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry all contributing in the same knockout game is the blueprint of a team firing at exactly the right time. Mitchell Santner’s captaincy — winning the toss and making the right call — was the cherry on top.
The T20 WC 2026 final schedule and match details are live — New Zealand will now wait to face either India or England in the final.
FAQs
What was the result of NZ vs SA T20 WC 2026 semi-final? New Zealand beat South Africa by 9 wickets with 43 balls remaining at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 4 March 2026.
What did Finn Allen score in the T20 WC 2026 semi-final? Finn Allen scored 100* off just 33 balls — 10 fours and 8 sixes — at a strike rate of 303.03, winning Player of the Match.
What score did South Africa post in the semi-final? South Africa scored 169/8 in 20 overs, with Marco Jansen top-scoring with 55* off 30 balls after a top-order collapse.
How fast did New Zealand chase 170 in the semi-final? New Zealand chased 170 in just 12.5 overs, finishing at 173/1 — winning with 43 balls remaining.
Who were New Zealand’s best bowlers against South Africa? Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra both took 2 wickets each, while Cole McConchie took 2 wickets in just 1 over.
Are New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final? Yes. New Zealand have advanced to the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after their stunning 9-wicket win over South Africa.
