South Africa v New Zealand: T20 World Cup cricket semi-final – live

Guardian Sport

by Rob Smyth

March 4, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

South Africa and New Zealand are set to clash in a high-stakes T20 World Cup semi-final in Kolkata, with both teams looking to advance to the final. The match marks a fresh start for both sides, as they look to build on their performances since South Africa's group-stage victory over New Zealand. Speaking ahead of the game, South Africa captain Aiden Markram downplayed the idea of his team being favourites, acknowledging that cricket is rarely straightforward and that both teams are now in unfamiliar territory. Markram emphasized that while history might suggest an edge for his side, the pressure on both teams to win this one-off match is equal. He noted how much both sides have evolved since their earlier encounter, making it difficult to predict the outcome. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Mitchell Santner expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete with any opponent in a single game scenario. Santner highlighted that reaching this stage was a collective goal for his side and that they believe in their chances despite外界perceptions of being underdogs. The semi-final represents a crucial moment in the tournament, as it will determine which team progresses to the final. Both sides have demonstrated strong performances throughout the competition, with South Africa boasting a powerful batting line-up and New Zealand known for their adaptability and skill. The match is expected to be closely contested,

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 3/4/2026