KOLKATA: A breathtaking late assault from Marco Jansen rescued South Africa from a dramatic top-order collapse, guiding them to a competitive total of 169 against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Chasing a spot in the final, the Proteas were asked to bat first by Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner, a decision that looked inspired as the Blackcaps ripped through the South African batting lineup.
Santner’s gamble pays off early
The New Zealand bowlers made full use of the conditions, reducing the tournament’s unbeaten side to a shocking 77 for 5 by the 10th over. The procession started early when Quinton de Kock (10) holed out off Cole McConchie, who struck again just one ball later, removing Ryan Rickelton for a golden duck.
Skipper Aiden Markram (18) tried to steady the ship with Dewald Brevis (34), but Rachin Ravindra broke the 43-run partnership by trapping Markram LBW. Ravindra struck again in his next over, removing the dangerous David Miller (6) cheaply. When James Neesham had Brevis caught at mid-wicket shortly after, South Africa were in a deep hole at 77 for 5, with their famed batting lineup in tatters.
Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs took on James Neesham to smash 22 runs in the 18th over of the first #T20WorldCup 2026 semi-final 💥
Watch here ⬇️🎦https://t.co/6hzAVbXg42
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2026
Jansen and Stubbs lead stunning counter-attack
With the innings teetering on the brink, Marco Jansen walked in and launched a sensational counter-attack that completely shifted the momentum. He found an able partner in Tristan Stubbs, and the duo added a rapid 73 runs for the sixth wicket.
Stubbs played the anchor role to perfection, scoring a measured 29 before being bowled by a Lockie Ferguson scorcher. However, Jansen was in a league of his own. The tall all-rounder unleashed his fury on the Kiwi bowlers, smashing an unbeaten 55 off just 30 balls, a knock studded with two boundaries and five massive sixes.
His onslaught in the death overs, where he plundered 61 runs in the final five overs alongside the lower order, propelled the Proteas past the 160-mark.
South Africa set 170-run target
Despite losing Corbin Bosch and Kagiso Rabada in the final over to Matt Henry, Jansen ensured South Africa finished with a fighting total. He remained not out on 55, giving his bowling attack a total to defend.
For New Zealand, the bowling honours were shared. Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra picked up two wickets each, while Cole McConchie and Lockie Ferguson chipped in with one apiece. However, they will be disappointed to have let South Africa off the hook after having them reeling at 77 for 5.
The Blackcaps now need 170 runs for a place in the final, a target that looks challenging but chaseable on the Eden Gardens surface.
