Black Caps to meet South Africa in 2026 T20 World Cup semifinal

Monday, 2 March 2026

The Black Caps will need to overcome group conquerors South Africa to reach the T20 World Cup final.

The two teams will meet in the first semifinal in Kolkata, India, on Thursday morning (2:30am NZ time), while co-hosts India will face England in the other semifinal on Friday in Mumbai.

South Africa defeated NZ on their way to winning Group D last month, when captain Aiden Markram made 86 not out off 44 balls in a seven-wicket win in Ahmedabad.

They remained undefeated at the tournament overnight (NZ time) by defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets with 13 balls to spare to win Group One of the Super Eights.

India grabbed the other qualifying spot for the last four when they beat the West Indies by five wickets, with four balls to spare, on Monday morning.

The semifinal winners will contest the 2026 T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Monday morning (NZ time).

New Zealand’s place in the semis was confirmed on Sunday morning when Pakistan gave the side some nervous viewing moments before failing to defeat Sri Lanka by the large margin required to grab second place in Group Two on Net Run-Rate.

“I only watched the first half,” NZ coach Rob Walter said.

“Then I decided to read my book for the second half and just check in at a suitable time. Fortunately, when I looked at my phone, it was 145 for five, and I knew there was a good chance that they'd score those next three runs, so I was pretty happy after that.”

Walter said quick bowler Matt Henry could be available for the semifinal after returning home to Christchurch after NZ’s loss to England for the birth of his second child with wife Holly.

“If everything works out according to plan and the stars align, he should be back the day before the semifinal.” Walter said on Sunday.