KOLKATA: New Zealand put on a dominant display to defeat South Africa by nine wickets in the first semifinal of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and advance to the title match.

South Africa, after being put into bat, posted 169/8 in their 20 overs, with Marco Jansen’s 55 providing a late boost to the total. The Proteas’ innings lacked consistent momentum and they struggled to build big partnerships on a challenging Eden Gardens surface.

In reply, New Zealand produced a breathtaking batting performance. The Kiwis raced to 173 for 1 inside 13 overs, led by a sensational innings from Finn Allen, whose aggressive hitting put the chase beyond doubt.

Allen, who was declared ‘Player of the Match’ hit a century (100 runs of 33 balls). His brilliant knock included 10 fours and eight sixes and he maintained a striking rate of 303.

Tim Seifert scored 58 runs (seven fours and two sixes) off 33 balls before being sent to the pavilion by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada.

New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra contributed 13 runs, including two fours.

Boundaries flowed throughout the innings, and South Africa’s bowlers found it hard to contain the onslaught. New Zealand won the match by 9 wickets with 43 balls left.

The convincing win sends New Zealand into the T20 World Cup final, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between India and England.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s impressive unbeaten run in the tournament came to an end at the knockout stage.