Drama unfolded at Eden Gardens as South Africa recovered from early setbacks to post 169/8, handing New Zealand a daunting 170-run chase in the T20 World Cup 2026 first semifinal. Bowling first after the toss win, New Zealand dismantled the top order, with de Kock and Rickelton gone for 12. Klaasen and Brevis’ 43-run stand offered hope, but at 55/3, the innings hung by a thread. Miller and Brevis’ falls at 77/5 signaled potential doom.
Cue the heroes: Stubbs and Jansen forged a game-changing 73-run stand, surging past 150. Ferguson’s wicket of Stubbs (29 off 24) tested resolve, but Jansen’s blitz—five sixes, two fours in 30 balls for 55*—proved decisive. Quick losses of Bosch (2) and Rabada (0) couldn’t derail the momentum, Maharaj (1*) surviving.
Standout Kiwi bowlers included Henry (2/34), McConchie’s fiery 2/9 (1 over), Ferguson (1/29), Neesham (1/42), and Ravindra (2/29). South Africa’s fighting total sets up an intriguing second innings, where New Zealand must navigate pressure to reach the final. Jansen’s all-round prowess could yet swing the pendulum.