The South Africa versus New Zealand 1st Semi-Final ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Scorecard describes one of the most thrilling games in the tournament. I was thrilled to see South Africa and New Zealand battle it out on March 4 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India each hoping to reach the final.
South Africa opened the innings. Scored 169 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs with Marco Jansen delivering an impressive unbeaten 55. New Zealand responded strongly reaching 173 runs for the loss of one wicket in 12.5 overs.
Finn Allen stood out in the chase scoring a 100 runs off 33 balls while Tim Seifert contributed 58 runs. New Zealand’s solid batting enabled a victory winning by nine wickets with 43 balls remaining.
This article presents the South Africa versus New Zealand -final scorecard details of batting and bowling match highlights top player performances and answers to five frequently asked questions.
South Africa versus New Zealand 1st Semi-Final Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
| Match | South Africa versus New Zealand |
| Tournament | ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Match Type | 1st Semi-Final |
| Date | March 4 2026 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Format | T20 International |
| Toss Winner | New Zealand |
| Toss Decision | Bowl First |
| South Africa Score | 169/8 (20 overs) |
| New Zealand Score | 173/1 (12.5 overs) |
| Match Result | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Finn Allen |
New Zealand’s decision to bowl first proved effective. I felt the pressure as New Zealand bowlers kept South Africa in check before the top batters took control of the chase.
South Africa versus New Zealand 1st Semi-Final 2026 Scorecard
The South Africa versus New Zealand 1st Semi-Final 2026 Scorecard illustrates how both teams performed with bat and ball throughout the match.
South Africa National Cricket Team Batting Scorecard
South Africa struggled after losing two wickets. Captain Aiden Markram attempted to steady the innings while New Zealand maintained the pressure.
Dewald Brevis scored 34 runs. Tristan Stubbs added 29. Marco Jansen’s later batting helped South Africa reach a total.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Aiden Markram (c) | 18 | 20 | 1 | 1 |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
| Ryan Rickelton | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dewald Brevis | 34 | 27 | 3 | 2 |
| David Miller | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 29 | 24 | 2 | 1 |
| Marco Jansen | 55* | 30 | 2 | 5 |
| Corbin Bosch | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 1* | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Extras | 14 | — | — | — |
| Total | 169/8 | 20 overs | — | — |
Marco Jansen’s Important Half-Century
Marco Jansen was the leading run-scorer for South Africa scoring 55 not out from 30 balls. I was impressed by his two fours and five sixes.
Key Batting Statistics
Jansen achieved a strike rate of 183.33. His powerful hitting helped South Africa recover after losing wickets and finish with 169 runs.
New Zealand National Cricket Team Bowling Scorecard
New Zealand bowlers performed well during the powerplay and middle overs.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Matt Henry | 4 | 34 | 2 | 8.50 |
| Cole McConchie | 1 | 9 | 2 | 9.00 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 4 | 29 | 1 | 7.25 |
| James Neesham | 3 | 42 | 1 | 14.00 |
| Mitchell Santner | 4 | 25 | 0 | 6.25 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 4 | 29 | 2 | 7.25 |
New Zealand’s Key Bowling Performances
Cole McConchie dismissed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in two balls putting South Africa under pressure.
Rachin Ravindra dismissed Aiden Markram and David Miller while Matt Henry took two wickets at the end of the innings.
Mitchell Santner’s Economical Spell
Mitchell Santner conceded 25 runs in four overs achieving an economy rate of 6.25.
Even though he did not take a wicket Mitchell Santner’s controlled bowling helped stop South Africa from scoring during the overs.
New Zealand National Cricket Team Batting Scorecard
New Zealand chased the target of 170 runs beginning with an attack, from Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.
The opening pair performed well against South Africa’s bowling building a 117-run partnership. Finn Allen continued attacking after Tim Seifert was dismissed and reached a century.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Tim Seifert (wk) | 58 | 33 | 7 | 2 |
| Finn Allen | 100* | 33 | 10 | 8 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 13* | 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Extras | 2 | — | — | — |
| Total | 173/1 | 12.5 overs | — | — |
Did not bat: Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson.
Finn Allens Historic Century
Finn Allen had one of the batting performances in Mens T20 World Cup history.
Finn Allen scored 100 not out from 33 balls hitting 10 fours and eight sixes.
Fastest Century in Mens T20 World Cup History
Finn Allen made his century in 33 balls breaking Chris Gayles record of 47 balls.
Finn Allens strike rate of 303.03 showed how aggressive he was against South Africa bowlers.
Tim Seiferts Explosive Opening Partnership
Tim Seifert made 58 runs from 33 balls hitting seven fours and two sixes.
Tim Seiferts attacking play helped New Zealand reach 84 runs in six overs giving New Zealand control of the chase.
South Africa National Cricket Team Bowling Scorecard
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Marco Jansen | 2.5 | 53 | 0 | 18.71 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 3 | 28 | 1 | 9.33 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 2 | 22 | 0 | 11.00 |
| Corbin Bosch | 2 | 35 | 0 | 17.50 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 3 | 33 | 0 | 11.00 |
Kagiso Rabada was the South Africa bowler to take a wicket getting Tim Seifert out for 58 runs.
New Zealands aggressive batting made it hard for South Africa to build pressure.
South Africa versus New Zealand Match Highlights
New Zealands Early Breakthroughs
South Africa lost Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton when the score was 12 runs.
These early wickets stopped South Africa from making a start.
Marco Jansens Fighting Knock
Marco Jansens 55 runs helped South Africa recover from 77/5 to 169/8 giving a target.
Finn Allens Record-Breaking Performance
Finn Allens unbeaten 100 from 33 balls was the highlight of the semi-final.
Finn Allens powerful hitting made the chase easy.
New Zealands Nine-Wicket Victory
New Zealand reached 173/1 in 12.5 overs finishing the chase with 43 balls left and securing a place in the final.
Key Player Performances
| Player | Team | Performance |
| Finn Allen | New Zealand | 100 off 33 balls* |
| Tim Seifert | New Zealand | 58 off 33 balls |
| Marco Jansen | South Africa | 55 off 30 balls* |
| Dewald Brevis | South Africa | 34 runs |
| Rachin Ravindra | New Zealand | 2 wickets |
| Cole McConchie | New Zealand | 2 wickets |
| Matt Henry | New Zealand | 2 wickets |
Why Did New Zealand Win the Semi-Final?
New Zealand won because of New Zealand bowling, strong opening partnership and good batting.
New Zealand bowlers took wickets. Stopped South Africa from making big partnerships.
Even though Marco Jansens 55 not out helped South Africa come back the target still seemed possible.
During the chase Finn Allen and Tim Seifert attacked from the start.
Their 117‑run opening partnership gave New Zealand a start before Finn Allen made his historic century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the South Africa vs New Zealand 1st Semi-Final 2026?
New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets in the semi‑final of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 on March 4 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
2. Who scored the century in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final?
Finn Allen scored 100 runs from 33 balls making the record for the century in Mens T20 World Cup history.
3. What was South Africas total score against New Zealand?
South Africa scored 169/8 in 20 overs. Marco Jansen scored 55 not out from 30 balls.
4. Who was the Player of the Match in the South Africa vs New Zealand semi-final?
Finn Allen got the Player of the Match award for his 100 not out, from 33 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes.
5. How many overs did New Zealand take to chase South Africas target?
New Zealand reached 173/1 in 12.5 overs winning the match by nine wickets with 43 balls left.
Conclusion
The South Africa versus New Zealand 1st Semi-Final ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 scorecard shows a nine‑wicket win for New Zealand. South Africa scored 169 runs for eight wickets, in 20 overs. New Zealand chased 173 runs for one wicket in just 12.5 overs. Finn Allen made a century in only 33 balls while Tim Seifert added 58 runs. New Zealand’s good bowling helped New Zealand reach the final.
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