In the semi-final 1 of the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/t20-world-cup-2026-fans-suspect-irregularities-in-ticket-booking-ahead-of-india-england-semi-final-clash-in-mumbai-23619319" rel="nofollow">T20 World Cup 2026</a> against South Africa, New Zealand emerged victorious by nine wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
With this, New Zealand has sealed its berth for the title clash of the marquee event.
Having put to chase a target of 170 runs, the "Black Caps" scored 173 runs for the loss of just one wicket in 12.5 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert scored 58 runs off 33 balls, including seven boundaries and two maximums.
Fellow opening batsman <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/t20-world-cup-2026-tim-seifert-finn-allen-opening-stand-helps-kiwis-secure-win-over-uae-23615983" rel="nofollow">Finn Allen</a> delivered a match-winning knock of an unbeaten 100 runs in just 33 balls, which was laced with 10 boundaries and eight maximums. Rachin Ravindra also stayed unbeaten on 13 runs, which came in 11 balls, with the help of two boundaries.
South Africa's lead pacer Kagiso Rabada claimed one wicket for 28 runs in three overs. Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj went wicketless in the semi-final 1 of the T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand.
Earlier, having put to bat first, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/photo/t20-world-cup-2026-marco-jansen-crucial-knock-helps-south-africa-cruise-to-169-runs-109966/1" rel="nofollow">South Africa</a> skipper Aiden Makram scored 18 runs in 20 balls, including a boundary and a maximum. Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock departed after scoring 10 runs in eight balls, with the help of a boundary and a maximum.
Ryan Rickelton was dismissed on a one-ball duck. Dewald Brevis managed to score a crucial 34 runs off just 27 deliveries. His knock was laced with three boundaries and two maximums. David Miller also returned with six runs in six balls.
Later, Tristan Stubbs scored 29 runs off 24 balls, including two boundaries and a maximum. Marco Jansen played an unbeaten knock of 55 runs off 30 deliveries. He also smashed two boundaries and five maximums. With this, the Proteas posted a total of 169 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/t20-world-cup-2026-daryl-mitchell-focused-on-semifinal-as-new-zealand-prepares-to-face-south-africa-23619054" rel="nofollow">New Zealand</a>'s Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie bagged two wickets each. James Neesham also chipped in with one wicket. Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and skipper Mitchell Santner went wicketless in the semi-final 1 of the T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa.
<h2>T20 World Cup 2026: Upcoming clash</h2>
The semi-final 2 of the T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played between Team India and England on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

T20 World Cup 2026: Finn Allen delivered a match-winning knock of an unbeaten 100 runs in just 33 balls, which was laced with 10 boundaries and eight maximums

T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand defeat South Africa by nine wickets

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Finn Allen delivered a match-winning knock of an unbeaten 100 runs in just 33 balls, which was laced with 10 boundaries and eight maximums. With this, New Zealand has sealed its berth for the title clash of the marquee event

T20 World Cup 2026: Finn Allen delivers match-winning knock, helps New Zealand seal final berth

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