In a display of sheer dominance at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, New Zealand crushed South Africa by 9 wickets to secure their spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. This marks the second time the Black Caps have reached this stage, reigniting memories of their heartbreaking loss in 2021.
The semi-final wasn’t supposed to be easy for New Zealand. South Africa had been unbeaten throughout the tournament, even handing the Kiwis a defeat in the group stage. But on Wednesday, New Zealand flipped the script. Captain winning the toss and opting to bowl first set the tone perfectly.
South Africa’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Despite Marco Jansen’s valiant unbeaten 55 off 30 balls, they could only muster 169 for 8. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by sharp pace and spin, kept the scoring in check.
The chase was a spectacle. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert forged a blistering 117-run opening stand in just 9.1 overs. Seifert fell for 58 off 33, but Allen unleashed carnage, smashing a record-breaking century off 33 balls – the fastest in T20 World Cup history with 10 fours and 8 sixes. New Zealand romped home at 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs.
This triumph echoes their 2021 final run, where they beat England in the semis but fell to Australia in the title clash. Jansen’s heroics in the 2021 final – Warner’s 53 and Marsh’s 77 – ended New Zealand’s dream. Now, with momentum on their side, the Kiwis eye redemption in 2026.