March 4, 2026
The Proteas lost their top order cheaply, with Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton (0) falling inside the first two overs. Aiden Markram added 18 before being caught by Daryl Mitchell off Rachin Ravindra, while David Miller contributed only 6 runs before another Ravindra dismissal. Dewald Brevis fought valiantly with 34 off 27 balls, but even his dismissal at 10.2 overs left South Africa struggling at 77/5.
Following the top-order collapse, Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen provided some much-needed stability. Brevis struck 3 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 125.92, while Jansen remained unbeaten on 17 off 12 balls, hitting a four and a six. Tristan Stubbs is also not out on 7, helping South Africa reach 101/5 after 14 overs at a run rate of 7.21. Extras added 9 runs, including 8 wides.
New Zealand’s attack has been clinical throughout the 14 overs. Cole McConchie struck early with 2 wickets for 9 runs, while Rachin Ravindra accounted for 2 key dismissals, conceding 29 runs in 4 overs. Lockie Ferguson (2/9) and Matt Henry (2/13) bowled disciplined spells, with James Neesham (1/20) and Mitchell Santner (0/20) keeping runs in check during their overs.
With half the South African side back in the pavilion and New Zealand’s bowlers on top, the Proteas will rely heavily on Jansen, Stubbs, and the lower order including Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi to rebuild and post a competitive total in this SA vs NZ 1st Semi-Final of the T20 World Cup 2026.