New Delhi: New Zealand and South Africa will face each other in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday and will be vying for a place in the final.
The rivalry between the two sides has produced some unforgettable moments, none more dramatic than the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final. On that occasion, New Zealand pulled off a thrilling last-over victory, resulting in South Africa's collapse and further cementing their reputation for faltered at crucial stages.
However, this Proteas side carries a different aura. Under the guidance of coach Shukri Conrad, South Africa has transformed into a mentally stronger and more organized team. Their World Test Championship win last year signaled a change in belief and temperament. Although a major white-ball title still eludes them, the long-standing “chokers” narrative no longer hangs over the team as much.
Most of the spotlight will fall on the two captains, both of whom have led from the front. Aiden Markram has been in devastating form, scoring 268 runs at a strike rate of over 175 and consistently exerting control during the powerplay. Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner has been equally impressive in a different role – breaking with the ball, boasting an impressive economy rate of 6.35 and consistently performing well at key stages.
South Africa's batting unit looks strong on paper. As well as Markram, the likes of Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brewis, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Marco Johnson provide depth, versatility and explosive finishing power. On a good batting surface, this line-up has the ability to dominate opposition attacks.
However, New Zealand bring balance and discipline, especially through their spin department. Santner has arranged his resources smartly, with Rachin Ravindra (nine wickets at an economy of less than seven), Glenn Phillips and Cole McConchie offering control and breakthroughs. Barring India, this could be the most effective spin combination South Africa has faced in the tournament.
One potential weakness for the Black Caps is the lack of a consistent wrist-spin threat. Ish Sodhi has not made any significant impact in his appearances yet, which could lead to New Zealand falling a bit behind in that department.
The surface at Eden Gardens is expected to help the batsmen, increasing the chances of a high-scoring contest. South Africa may prefer to chase the target, especially as New Zealand's Super Eight matches were played on slow Sri Lankan pitches. On a true Kolkata track, aggressive stroke-makers like Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell can aim for a total of over 200.
With the ball, Lungi Ngidi's variations – including his slower balls, wide yorkers and leg-cutters – could be crucial for South Africa on flat pitches. For New Zealand, a lot could depend on Lockie Ferguson's early spell, who has the ability to set the tone in a high-risk encounter.
T20 World Cup Semi-Final, South Africa vs New Zealand: What if the match is canceled due to rain?
Weather interruption remains a topic of discussion in Kolkata.
If play is stopped due to rain on Wednesday (March 4), the match will not be canceled immediately. Tournament rules include a reserve day to ensure the result. While maintaining fairness, play will resume from where it was stopped.
March 5 (Thursday) has been designated as the official reserve day.
If both days are completely washed out, the higher placed team in the Super Eight stage will advance to the final.
South Africa topped Super 8 Group 1 with six points, while New Zealand qualified from Group 2 with three points.
As a result, if the semi-finals are completely canceled on both the scheduled day and the reserve day, South Africa will advance to the final by virtue of its superior Super Eight position.
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T20 World Cup Semifinal, South Africa vs New Zealand: Weather Forecast in Kolkata
As per the latest forecast, Kolkata is expected to have a sunny day on March 4, with no prediction of rain or storm. Temperatures are expected to reach around 33 degrees Celsius, and chances of rainfall remain minimal – making a washout unlikely for this crucial semi-final encounter.
T20 World Cup Semi-Final, South Africa vs New Zealand: Teams
South Africa team: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Johnson, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Mafaka, Jason Smith.
New Zealand team: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway.