SA Vs NZ Semi-Final: Seifert-Allen’s batting storms South Africa Hawaldil, dominate; NZ ready for finals

• New Zealand dominated the South African team one-sidedly

• The duo of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen cried

• Once again the dreams of South Africa were shattered

ICC held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata T20 World Cup In the first semi-final of 2026, New Zealand started chasing 170 runs against South Africa. The opening pair of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen got the team off to a flying start and smashed 100 runs in just eight overs. Both the batsmen stayed at the crease for a long time after scoring half-centuries. The pair put on a storming partnership of 117 runs off 55 balls to guide New Zealand to victory in very few overs. New Zealand won the match one-sidedly in just 12.5 overs. Allan scored 100 runs in just 33 balls to win the match for his team.

New Zealand completely snatched the match from South Africa in the Powerplay. of South Africa The bowlers looked desperate. They had to score 84 runs for no wicket in just six overs. The Kiwi openers appeared to have already sealed their place in the finals, giving fans a sense that they were playing a warm-up match to seal the deal.

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South Africa’s effort

Earlier, Marco Jansen’s blistering half-century saw South Africa post 169 for eight in 20 overs. Opting to bat first after losing the toss, the African team got off to a poor start, losing the wickets of de Kock and Rickelton for 12 runs. After that, Dewald Brevis and skipper Aiden Markram put together a partnership to revive the innings. However, Rachine broke the partnership and left New Zealand at 77 for five. But then Jansen and Tristan Stubbs partnered to take the team to a score that left their bowlers struggling.

Allan’s half century in just 19 balls

Finn Allen also completed his half century. He completed his half century in just 19 balls. This is the fastest fifty by any New Zealand batsman in a T20 World Cup. With both the first openers hitting half-centuries, it appeared that the match had already swung in New Zealand’s favour.

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New Zealand’s decision is good

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first against South Africa. New Zealand made two changes, while the African team made three changes. South Africa are the only team in the tournament to remain unbeaten in the World Cup. South Africa have always been dominant against New Zealand in the T20 format.

Following is the playing XI of both the teams

New Zealand Playing XI: Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (captain), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson

South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi