T20 World Cup 2026: Who will win the SA vs NZ semi-final 1 clash? Check out the South Africa vs New Zealand match prediction

The semi-final 1 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be played between the last time runners-up South Africa and New Zealand at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 04. South Africa, the only undefeated side of the tournament so far, is looking the strongest team of the tournament and the genuine favourites to win the title. On the other hand, New Zealand is having a bumpy ride in this tournament. The team is solid on paper, but their performance hasn't been particularly impressive, barring a few matches. Both teams clashed during the group stage, with South Africa defeating New Zealand by 7 wickets. That match was played at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad.

SA vs NZ: Road to the semi-finals 

Pitch Report: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

The historical Eden Gardens, Kolkata, has hosted 6 matches in this T20 World Cup 2026 so far, with the team batting first winning 4 matches, while the team chasing won twice. New Zealand and South Africa have yet to play a match in this stadium in this tournament. Actually, 5 out of 6 matches played on this ground were between Test nations and associate members, with the Test playing nations winning every time. The only match between two competitive teams on this ground took place on 1 March when hosts, India, faced the 2-time champions, West Indies. India defeated the team by a massive 196 runs. Both teams can decide to win the toss and win the race. If the team wins first, then they will have no other option except to make a big score.

SA vs NZ: Head-to-Head in T20Is

South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other 19 times in T20I cricket so far, with New Zealand winning 7 and South Africa winning 12 times. The two teams have clashed 5 times in the T20 World Cup history, and every time, South Africa won. New Zealand are still waiting for their first victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup. 
Both teams have also clashed twice in the semi-finals of ICC tournaments, with New Zealand emerging victorious both times. The first time was in the 2015 World Cup semi-finals, while the second was in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-finals. However, both were 50-over tournaments. It will be interesting to see which team maintains its record this time around.

SA vs NZ: Probable Playing XIs

South Africa will enter with a couple of changes in this match. They will enter with their full strength side. Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj will be back in the side instead of Kwena Mphaka, Anrich Nortje, and George Linde. On the other hand, New Zealand might enter with a couple of changes. Jacob Duffy will be included in the playing XI instead of Cole McConchie.

Predicted South Africa playing XI

Aiden Markram ©, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

Predicted New Zealand playing XI

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi

Players to watch out for in the SA vs NZ semi-final 1 match

Best batter: Aiden Markram

South Africa’s skipper Aiden Markram has scored 268 runs in 7 innings, and is currently the 3rd leading run scorer of the tournament. He has smashed 3 half-centuries. He is currently in the best form, consistently making runs for his team. He wants to continue his form in the next cricket matches. The last time these two teams met, Markram played an outstanding, unbeaten 86-run knock in just 44 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. If South Africa wants to reach in the finals of the tournament, Markram will have to fire once again with his bat. 

Best bowler: Marco Jansen 

South Africa’s Marco Jansen has taken 11 wickets in the tournament so far, including two 4-fer. The last time these two teams met, Jansen completely destroyed New Zealand's top order, taking four crucial wickets, including Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, and Mark Chapman. He will be keen to repeat that performance.