Markram vs Santner, captains have an important role in the Proteas semi-final test against New Zealand

It is not often that the captain of any team performs the best and the Markram vs Santner match will be one that will excite the almost packed crowd at Eden Gardens.

The rivalry at the ICC event between New Zealand and South Africa reached its peak during the 50-over World Cup semi-final in 2015, when the Black Caps defeated the Proteas in a thrilling encounter that left players like Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers permanently scarred by injuries.

However, under the coaching of Shukri Conrad, South Africa has become a dangerous team, having already won the World Test Championship last year after showing strong intentions. Although he has not won any major white-ball trophy so far, the tag of infamous chokers is no longer a part of his cricket dictionary.

At the center of this battle are two captains, who are often not the most famous or talked about, but are tactically and technically better than most of the most praised.

Markram, who has a strike rate of over 175 and runs of 268, has made a huge impact on the opposition bowlers during the powerplay overs, while Santner, who has an economy rate of 6.35, has kept the batsmen in check.

The Proteas, who have a power-hitting line-up of Markram, Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brewis, Ryan Rickleton, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller and Marco Jensen, can give any team sleepless nights.

But Santner will have Rachin Ravindra (9 wickets at less than 7 ER), Glenn Phillips, Cole McConchie, who have all done well together. Barring India, this will be the Proteas’ best spin attack in the tournament, although England weren’t too bad with Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed.

New Zealand lacks a good wrist spinner to challenge South Africa, as Ish Sodhi has not done much well in the few matches he has played so far.

On a spectacular track at Eden Gardens, South Africa will be looking to win against a New Zealand line-up that has played its Super Eights matches on slow Sri Lankan pitches.

Eden’s brilliant pitch will give Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell a chance to post a total of at least 200, giving them a chance to stop the Proteas.

An interesting thing will be how effective Lungi Ngidi’s slower balls will be on this track and whether his wide yorkers and slower leg cutters will be able to stop the Black Caps batsmen.

For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson’s first spell could decide the outcome of the match. Overall the first semi-final has the right ingredients for a thriller that will add flavor to the ‘holiday’.