Eden Gardens Stadium pitch report: South Africa vs New Zealand, Semi-final 1, ICC T20 World Cup 2026

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 4, 2026

South Africa and New Zealand gear up for the 1st semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting March 4. The match will be held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The winner of the contest will face India or England in the final on March 8 in Ahmedabad.

South Africa have been stupendous in the 2026 T20 World Cup, winning all of their 7 games which includes a tie that was settled via Super Over. After topping the group stage, the Proteas also won the Super 8s Group 1 to make it to the semis.

On the other hand, New Zealand finished 2nd behind South Africa in the group stage before also taking 2nd place in Super 8s Group 2. They had to rely on the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash to make it through.

South Africa T20 World Cup squad: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith.

The Proteas will want to reach the final and aim to claim their maiden T20 World Cup crown. They were the runners-up in 2024. Aiden Markram has led the side well and will want to get the basics right. This will serve them well.

New Zealand T20 World Cup squad: Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway.

For New Zealand, they will want to step up and deliver. It’s a big chance for them to triumph. To take SA down, they have to address all their departments. New Zealand can be a tricky side, and SA will be wary of the same. Notably, the two sides met in the group stage. SA won that contest.

What is the H2H record between South Africa and New Zealand?

In terms of the head-to-head record, the two sides have met 19 times in T20Is. South Africa have won 12 games compared to NZ’s 7. At the T20 World Cup, SA have yet to lose to NZ. They own a 5-0 win-loss record.

Probable XI of both teams

SA probable XI for the match against NZ

Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.

NZ probable XI for the match versus SA

Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie/James Neesham, Matt Henry/Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.

Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata, & Key Details of the Stadium

The Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata, is located in East India. Established in 1864, the stadium can host around 66000 people. Apart from cricket, the stadium hosted the maiden edition of the Nehru Cup in 1982 and the India vs Uruguay match in the 1984 Nehru Cup.

The stadium is the Cricket Association of Bengal’s headquarters. The Kolkata Knight Riders also use Eden Gardens as their venue. The stadium underwent renovation ahead of the ICC World Cup 2011. The stadium has played host to three other World Cup editions. Meanwhile, the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 saw 5 matches, including the final get played here. The stadium has also hosted a few games in the 2026 T20 WC.

What is the Pitch like at the Eden Gardens Stadium?

The pitch at Eden Gardens is shaping up to be a paradise for batters ahead of the high-stakes India vs West Indies virtual quarterfinal. Traditionally a venue that rewards stroke play, it has already produced plenty of runs in the T20 World Cup 2026. The surface here looks dry and will aid batting.

Another run-fest could be on the horizon. Fast bowlers might find a hint of movement with the new ball early on, but once the shine fades, conditions should favour the batters. Spinners, meanwhile, are unlikely to get much assistance in terms of a sharp turn, making it tough to keep aggressive hitters quiet. All signs point toward a high-scoring contest in Kolkata.

Key Stats & Records at the Eden Gardens Stadium

As many as 18 T20Is have been played here. 11 of these games here have been played at the T20 World Cup (also 2016). The average run rate for teams batting first here at the T20 World Cup reads 8.61.

Scotland own the highest total here at this venue, scoring 207/4 versus Namibia in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Bangladesh’s 70 versus New Zealand is the lowest team total here at the Eden Gardens. WI’s 109/8 is next. They managed that against India.

Notably, South Africa are playing their 1st T20I at Eden Gardens. On the other hand, New Zealand have featured in two matches here. They have won one and lost one.

The top three run-scorers at Eden Gardens are all from the West Indies. Among bowlers, WI’s Shamar Joseph and Romario Shepherd own 7 scalps here alongside former Indian bowler Harshal Patel.

SA vs NZ: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?

Kolkata is set to offer ideal conditions for Wednesday’s South Africa vs New Zealand clash, with no rain expected at any point in the day or night. The 7 PM start will unfold under mostly clear skies, with minimal cloud cover ensuring sharp visibility. Daytime temperatures will hover around 29°C, with cooler conditions at night expected. Overall, fans and players can expect near-perfect cricket weather in Kolkata.

SA vs NZ: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

All things considered, SA will be the slight favourites given the nature of the threat of the surface. They have plenty of arsenal in their ranks to frustrate the Kiwis, who will aim to express themselves. SA will want their batters to provide the goods and win handsomely.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Eden Gardens Stadium

What is the pitch report for Eden Gardens Stadium

What is SA and NZ’s record at the Eden Gardens Stadium?

At the Eden Gardens Stadium, the two teams will meet for the 1st time. SA are playing their first match here. NZ have played twice.

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