South Africa and New Zealand will meet in the first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, March 4. The Proteas will go into the match as the best-in-form team and have a perfect winning record throughout the tournament.

New Zealand secured a semi-final spot on the back of an excellent net win against Pakistan in Group 2. The Black Caps struggled in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, crossing the line just once in 2021. They face a tough challenge to overtake unbeaten South Africa.

This article provides details on both teams’ likely starting lineups, providing insight into draft issues, tactical changes, and key players to watch in this high-stakes game.

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South Africa vs New Zealand

Aiden Markram will lead South Africa, who have shown no clear weaknesses so far. The Proteas have already beaten New Zealand in the group stage and suffered a shock defeat to title favorites India in the Super Eights.

Opener: Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram

South Africa will rely on Quinton de Kock to get off to a good start. Although he struggled against Zimbabwe, he hit a crucial 47 runs against West Indies and 59 runs against Afghanistan. Captain Aiden Markram will partner him at the top and will look to provide stability in the powerplay.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Ryan Rickton, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Devalde Brewis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bose

Ryan Rickelton adds stability, while the middle order gains strength through Tristan Stubbs and David Miller. Miller recently showcased his finishing ability against India. Dewald Brevis makes key cameos throughout the game.

Marco Jansen provides strong all-round value with his ability to take early wickets and score quick runs at the end of the innings. Corbin Bosch adds depth at the bat and serves as a specialist death bowler.

Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi will lead the attack and is currently South Africa’s leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps. Kagiso Rabada will share the new ball with Jansen, while Keshav Maharaj remains the main option of spin, using his control and drift to control the batsmen in the middle order.

Possible XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickton, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Dewald Blevis, Marco Janssen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Notje, Lungi Ngidi.

New Zealand vs South Africa

Mitchell Santner’s side will go into the match with a major question mark over their bowling attack. While New Zealand have adapted well to the subcontinent’s conditions, the availability of their ace pacer remains uncertain.

Opening Match: Finn Allen and Tim Seifert

New Zealand will look to attack from top-flight Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. Seifert has excellent touch and amassed 216 points in the 2026 World Cup at a strike rate of 157.66. Their ability to exploit the power play will be crucial against South Africa’s elite pace battery.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Cole McConchie, Mitchell Santner (c)

Rachin Ravindra did not score well in the tournament. Daryl Mitchell had a stellar performance in the semi-finals, scoring 32 points against South Africa earlier in the tournament. Captain Mitchell Santner will lead the spin department, using his variant to contain the Proteas’ big boys.

Bowlers: Rocky Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson/Matt Henry

New Zealand’s biggest concern is Matt Henry, who returned home on February 27 to give birth to his second child. Henry, who picked up three wickets in the Super Eights, is expected to arrive in India ahead of the tournament.

If he is unavailable due to flight delays or airspace closures, Kyle Jamieson is the most likely replacement. Locke Ferguson will provide an additional speed option.

Possible eleven:
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (right), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Darryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (right), Locke Ferguson, Matt Henry/Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy.

Also read: Sahibzada Farhan named new Pakistan captain after breaking Virat Kohli’s record