T20 WC: Old scars, new stakes as South Africa take on New Zealand in first semifinal

The ghosts of 2015 will hover over Eden Gardens when South Africa and New Zealand renew their ICC rivalry in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, this time in the colour-soaked backdrop of Holi in the City of Joy.

It was the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final that defined the contest between these two sides, when New Zealand edged South Africa in a heart-stopping finish, leaving the Proteas and their fans shattered. More than a decade later, the stakes are just as high, and the scars, especially from that night when legends like Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers walked off devastated, remain part of cricketing folklore.

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Now, a new chapter will be scripted under vastly different leadership. South African skipper Aiden Markram will be drawn into a cerebral duel with his New Zealand counterpart Mitchell Santner in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.

Under coach Shukri Conrad, South Africa have evolved into a far more resilient unit, their ICC World Test Championship triumph last year evidence of a steel that once seemed elusive. The dreaded “chokers” tag no longer dominates conversations around this Proteas outfit.

Markram has led from the front, striking at over 175 and amassing 268 runs in the tournament, dismantling bowling attacks in the Powerplay. Santner, by contrast, has been the quiet controller, conceding at just 6.35 runs per over and repeatedly strangling opposition batters in the middle phase.

South Africa’s formidable batting unit, featuring Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Marco Jansen alongside Markram, has the firepower to overwhelm any attack on a true surface. But New Zealand’s spin trio of Rachin Ravindra (nine wickets at under seven an over), Glenn Phillips and Cole McConchie has operated in sync, making them arguably the most cohesive slow-bowling unit the Proteas have faced in this competition.

If Eden Gardens plays true to reputation, the flat surface could tempt power-hitters like Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Phillips and Daryl Mitchell to target a 200-plus total, especially after navigating slower tracks during their Super Eights fixtures in Sri Lanka.

Much will depend on whether Lungi Ngidi’s slower balls, wide yorkers and cutters grip enough to disrupt the Black Caps’ rhythm, while Lockie Ferguson’s opening burst with the new ball could shape the tempo of the contest.

Squads:

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Lockie Ferguson, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Cole McConchie, James Neesham.

South Africa: Aiden Markram (Captain), Quinton De Kock, Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje, Jason Smith.