South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, will enter the first semi-final of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup as the only team with a 100% winning record. The Proteas will face New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, in their knockout match on Wednesday, March 4, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

South Africa tops Group One with three consecutive wins and is the favorite to win the tournament. Meanwhile, New Zealand are in the last four on net run rate in Group Two. In the group stage, Aiden Markram’s side recorded a convincing seven-wicket victory.

This article provides SA vs NZ match predictions, pitching predictions, score predictions, top batsman predictions and top bowler predictions for this high-stakes semi-final.

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SA vs NZ Match Prediction: Who will win the first semi-final?

Competition details:

• Match: South Africa vs New Zealand, first semi-final

• Date: March 4, 2026

• Time: 7:00 pm local time

• Location: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• Live broadcast: JioHotstar

• Live broadcast: Star Sports Network

SA vs NZ Match Prediction: Head to Head Record

South Africa and New Zealand have met 19 times in T20 Internationals. South Africa has won 12 matches while New Zealand has won 7 matches. In the T20 World Cup, the Proteas lead 4-0 after four meetings.

New Zealand has won three of the last five meetings. South Africa also remained unbeaten in the only T20I on Indian soil against the Black Caps.

Promotion Report and Conditions

Eden Gardens has traditionally been a batting friendly venue, producing high-scoring matches during this World Cup. Under lights, expect the ball to land on the bat better in the second innings.

The Scottish team played against Italy at this venue and set the highest total score in the first game of this World Cup (207 wins and 4 losses). In six games, the second-batting team has won just two games. The average score in the first game of the game was 183.83, and the average score in the second game was 156.00.

SA vs NZ weather report, Kolkata

The weather forecast calls for sunny and pleasant weather, ensuring that the game will not be interrupted by rain. However, a lot of dew is expected in the second innings, which may make it difficult for spinners to grab and turn the ball.

SA vs NZ Match Prediction: Possible Lineups

South Africa starting lineup: Quinton de Kock (week), Aiden Markram (centre), Ryan Rickton, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Dewald Brevis, Marco Janssen, Corbin Bosh, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

New Zealand starting lineup: Tim Seifert (week), Finn Allen, Lachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Cole McConchie, Mitchell Santner (centre), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Locke Ferguson.

Throwing impact

With lots of dew expected in Eden Gardens, tossing will be crucial. The captain who wins the toss is likely to bowl first to take advantage of better batting conditions in the run chase.

form and fitness

Lungi Ngidi is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets in the tournament so far. Marco Jansen has taken 11 wickets including best figures of 4/22. New Zealand’s Tim Seifert got off to an explosive start, scoring 216 runs at an average of 43.20 and a strike rate of 157.66.

score prediction

On the surface, the score of 200-210 in the first game should be competitive. However, given the batting intensity and dew factor of both sides, a total score of 220 or more may be required to feel safe when batting first.

SA vs NZ: Players make predictions

South Africa: Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen.

New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry.

Best Batsman Prediction

Who will score the most points for South Africa? Quinton de Kock or Tristan Stubbs

Who will score the most points for New Zealand? glenn phillips or tim seifert

Best bowler prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for South Africa? Lungi Ngidi or Marco Janssen

Who will pick the most wickets for New Zealand? Matt Henry or Mitchell Santner

Conclusion: Who will win South Africa vs New Zealand?

South Africa will be the clear favorites as they remain unbeaten in the tournament. New Zealand are known for punching well but they need to find a way to stop the Proteas bowling attack from snatching early wickets.