New Zealand defeated South Africa in a one-sided semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, winning by 9 wickets with 43 balls remaining at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Finn Allen played one of the most best innings of the ongoing World Cup 2026, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 33 balls. He hit 10 boundaries and 8 sixes.

South Africa were undefeated in the tournament before meeting with the Kiwis and had thumped the Mitchell Santner-led team in the group stages.

South Africa were the favorites to win the match, but New Zealand showed the grit and defeated them, registering their first-ever World Cup victory over South Africa.

South Africa’s batting unit was never in control, and they kept losing wickets. Marco Jansen, with his unbeaten 55 off 30 balls, and contributions by Dewald Brevis (34) and Tristan Stubbs (29) took the score to 169 for 8 in 20 overs.

Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, and Rachin Ravindra took two wickets each.

Chasing 170, Tim Seifert and Allen added 117 runs in 55 balls. Finn, who posted 100 runs, was the top performer and also recorded the fastest century in the history of the T20 World Cup. Seifert also scored 58 runs in 33 balls, laced with 7 fours and 2 sixes.

Full Scorecard – South Africa vs New Zealand ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-final, March 4

New Zealand 173 for 1 (Allen 100, Seifert 58, Ravindra 13, Rabada 1-28) beat South Africa 169 for 8 (Jansen 55*, Brevis 34, McConchie 2-9, Ravindra 2-29) by nine wickets

Match Highlights & Key Moments

New Zealand thumped South Africa, with Finn Allen being the star of the game.

Seifert’s contribution solidified the run chase for New Zealand, and the great bowling performance by their bowlers restricted South Africa to a below-par score.

Player of the Match

Finn Allen was named the Player of the Match for his 100 off 33 balls.

What This Result Means for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand did not impress most fans and critics during the group stages and the Super 8, but their semi-final win over the favorites was a statement.

The first defeat for South Africa came at the wrong time, as they were eliminated from the tournament after losing the semi-finals.

FAQs – Yesterday’s South Africa vs New Zealand ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-final

Q1: Who won yesterday’s South Africa vs New Zealand semi-final?

A1: New Zealand won yesterday’s match by 9 wickets.

Q2: Who was the Player of the Match?

A2: Finn Allen was named the Player of the Match.

Q3: What was the final score of yesterday’s match?

A3: South Africa vs New Zealand.

New Zealand 173 for 1 (Allen 100, Seifert 58, Ravindra 13, Rabada 1-28)

South Africa 169 for 8 (Jansen 55*, Brevis 34, McConchie 2-9, Ravindra 2-29)

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