Pitch report of Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata: South Africa vs New Zealand, Semi final 1, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Delhi: After the thrill of Super-8 in ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is over, now the eyes are fixed on the semi-finals. The first match to reach the final of this Mahakumbh will be between South Africa and New Zealand. Both the teams are looking absolutely ready for this knock out match to be held on Wednesday.

An exciting match can be seen in this match to be held in Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Aiden Markram’s team has remained unbeaten in the tournament so far, while Mitchell Santner’s team New Zealand has also impressed with its game by performing amazingly so far. In such a situation, a tremendous competition is expected in this semi-final.

South Africa vs New Zealand  t20 international record

Only after the start of T20 International cricket in 2005, the match was played between South Africa and New Zealand in the same year. Since then, both these teams have clashed with each other 18 times in T20 International cricket, in which the Proteas team has had the upper hand and has won 12 matches, while the Kiwi team has won 6 matches.

Performance of South Africa and New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026

In the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, the teams of South Africa and New Zealand were part of Group D, where South Africa and New Zealand reached the next round by finishing first and New Zealand. In the Super-8, South Africa again topped Group-1 and the New Zealand team reached the semi-finals by finishing second in Group-2.

When and where will the South Africa vs New Zealand match take place?

In the first semi-final match of the World Cup on Wednesday, there is a battle to reach the final between South Africa and New Zealand. This match, to be held on March 4 at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata, will start at 7 pm, the toss of the match will be done at 6.30 pm.

Eden Gardens Stadium – Main information about Kolkata and stadium

Eden Gardens Stadium, which is called the Mecca of Indian cricket in India’s most historical city Kolkata, also has a very old history. The name of this stadium dates back to the British era. Where it was named after Emily and Fanny, sisters of Lord Auckland, who was the General Governor of India from 1836 to 1842. Initially this stadium was known as Auckland Circus Gardens. But from 1841 its name was changed to Eden Gardens. The actual construction of this stadium with a spectator capacity of 66 thousand is believed to be in 1864. The first Test match was played in this stadium situated on the banks of Hooghly River in 1934. Since then this stadium has become witness to many historical matches. The first T20 International match was played here between India and England in 2011.

Kolkata pitch report

The pitch of Eden Gardens of Kolkata is a very good pitch, where the batsmen get good advantage. On this surface the ball hits the bat easily and fours and sixes are also easily hit. In such a situation, the team batting first on the wicket here can defend it only by scoring more than 190. But chasing is not very difficult.

weather condition

The first semi-final match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be played between South Africa and New Zealand on Wednesday. Talking about the weather of this match to be held in Kolkata on March 4, there is no possibility of rain, according to Accuweather, maximum temperature is likely to be 33 degree Celsius and minimum temperature is 22 degree Celsius.

Possible playing eleven of both

South Africa team: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Janssen, Carbyn Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Enrique Norqua, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand team: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry

where to see South Africa vs New Zealandcompetition

Star Sports Network is the broadcasting partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. All the matches of this tournament will be telecast on different channels of Star Sports, the first semi-final match between South Africa and New Zealand on Wednesday can also be seen on Star Sports. So you can also enjoy live streaming on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar app/website.

Squads of both teams

South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brewis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marco Janssen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Mfaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.

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

South Africa vs New Zealand: Which team will the pitch favor??

The wicket of the historic stadium of Eden Gardens, Kolkata is considered very good for batting. On this surface the ball comes easily to the bat and playing shots is not difficult. Here the team having more control in bowling can be seen to be at advantage.

FAQs – Pitch Report of Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata

Eden Gardens Stadium, what is the pitch report of kolkata?

The wicket of Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India’s most famous cricket stadium, is considered batting friendly. On this pitch, the ball comes with a decent bounce on the bat and playing shots is considered easy. On this pitch, with the new ball, fast bowlers can show pace and swing to some extent, but after this the pitch becomes easy for batting in the middle overs. However, spin bowlers can get some degree of turn in the middle.

In T20 International South Africa vs New Zealand Of H2H what is the record?

H2H records have a long history between South Africa and New Zealand in T20 International cricket. So far 18 matches have been played between these two teams, in which South Africa has won 12 matches and New Zealand has won 6 matches.

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