South Africa will go head-to-head with New Zealand in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday.
While New Zealand have had some ups and downs in the World Cup, the Proteas are the only unbeaten side in the tournament.
Match Preview
South Africa have not yet won a major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament, but they have a brilliant opportunity to end their trophy drought in 2026.
The African side have several top batsmen, including Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton.
Markram has been especially outstanding, hitting 268 to be the third-highest run-scorer in the World Cup.
Their formidable bowling attack includes Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen.
The Proteas are unbeaten in the tournament, having defeated Canada, Afghanistan, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, India, West Indies and Zimbabwe.
New Zealand haven’t been entirely convincing with their performances.
The Kiwis qualified for the Super Eights by winning three of their four group matches, with their only defeat coming against South Africa.
After their first Super Eight encounter with Pakistan was washed out, New Zealand claimed a thumping 61-run win against co-hosts Sri Lanka.
Their subsequent defeat to England handed the Green Shirts an opportunity to seal a place in the semi-finals.
Salman Ali Agha’s team needed a big victory against Sri Lanka for qualification, but they failed to achieve their goal, thus confirming New Zealand’s place in the final four.
South Africa vs New Zealand probable playing XI
South Africa made three changes to their side for Sunday’s match against Zimbabwe, with Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje and George Linde all starting.
However, Rabada, Jansen and Keshav Maharaj are expected to replace the trio for the important game on Wednesday.
As for New Zealand, they will likely select the same team that lost to England last week.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
South Africa vs New Zealand prediction
South Africa are expected to prevail on Wednesday, as they are the team in form and boast more quality players in their ranks.
