South Africa have made no mistakes on their journey to the T20 World Cup semifinals. However, in Wednesday’s last-four clash against New Zealand at Eden Gardens, overconfidence could prove costly. New Zealand have long been known for their ability to challenge big teams.

After reaching the final of the 2024 World Cup and losing to India by seven runs, South Africa have continued to carry the label of an “unlucky” team in international cricket. But this time, under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, the side looks much more balanced. They have already defeated the Kiwi team in the group stage. Therefore, they are being viewed as strong contenders for the final alongside defending champions India.

In the other semifinal on Thursday, India will face England.

South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad said being viewed as title contenders is a positive sign.

New Zealand players Finn Allen and Mitchell Santner. Photo: ICC

“Perhaps we’re being considered contenders because we’re the only unbeaten team in the tournament. It’s good to play as contenders,” he said.

By defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets in their final Super 8 match, South Africa became the only unbeaten team in the competition. Known for being “unlucky,” South Africa even won a dramatic match against Afghanistan earlier in the tournament after two Super Overs.

New Zealand, meanwhile, secured their semifinal spot thanks to a better net run rate than Pakistan. In Wednesday’s first semifinal, the Kiwi team are being regarded as the underdogs.

“There is always pressure. But the main thing is to accept it. We’ve prepared in a slightly different way. We’ll prepare the same way for New Zealand as well. But when you’re the underdog, expectations are lower,” Conrad said.

Africa waiting for their first title

South Africa’s T20 World Cup journey has been full of ups and downs. Despite being a talented side, they have consistently fallen short of winning the title.

When the inaugural T20 World Cup was held in 2007, South Africa were the hosts and expectations were high. They entered the Super 8 stage in impressive form after defeating West Indies by eight wickets and Bangladesh by seven wickets in the group stage. In the Super 8, they beat England by 19 runs and New Zealand by six wickets, but ultimately lost to India by 37 runs. Since that tournament, a narrative has followed South Africa in T20 cricket: they perform well in major tournaments but falter at decisive moments. They earned the label of “chokers.”

South African team after defeating England. Photo: ICC

South Africa have been eliminated twice in the semifinals and twice in the Super 8 stage in T20 World Cup history. Two years ago, in the World Cup jointly hosted by the West Indies and the United States, they reached the final in an attempt to shed the “choker” tag.

In that tournament, South Africa narrowly defeated associate nation Nepal by just one run in the group stage. They beat England by seven runs to reach the Super 8 stage and defeated Afghanistan by nine runs in the semifinal. However, they once again lost to India by seven runs in the final.

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips. Photo: ICC

Coach Conrad says the experience of losing to India in the final in Barbados was invaluable.

“The experience from the last World Cup will be important for us. Reaching consecutive semifinals and finals will eventually lead to winning a title,” he said.

South Africa’s first major ICC title came in the World Test Championship. In June 2025, they defeated Australia in the final to win their first major ICC trophy. However, they have yet to win a white-ball World Cup title.

Consistent New Zealand

New Zealand have always been considered a consistent and competitive team in the T20 World Cup. Since the tournament began in 2007, they have never missed an edition. However, the title has always eluded them. New Zealand reached the semifinals in 2007, 2016, and 2022, and the final in 2021.

In the last World Cup, their consistency was evident as they reached the semifinals. So far, New Zealand have played 47 matches in T20 World Cup history, winning 25 and losing 19, with two matches ending in ties.

South African team in the match against West Indies. Photo: ICC

In terms of performance, New Zealand have shown steady improvement in each edition. Their strengths include talented players and the ability to play well-planned cricket.

In the current World Cup, this image has once again been highlighted. A 10-wicket win against the UAE in the group stage showcased both their aggression and confidence.

Chasing a target of 174 runs comfortably and building a historic opening partnership reflected the Black Caps’ preparation. A 61-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Super 8 strengthened their path toward the knockout stage.

However, they have already suffered defeats to South Africa in the group stage and to England in the Super 8. Given this, their upcoming clash this evening with South Africa promises to be even more exciting.