South Africa’s depth was on full display in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal as Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs scripted history with a match-defining 73-run sixth-wicket stand off 47 balls against New Zealand at Eden Gardens. Trailing at 77/5, they lifted the score to 169/8, securing the No. 2 spot for playoff lower-order partnerships.
Unbeaten on 55 (30 balls, 5×6, 2×4), Jansen’s pyrotechnics paired with Stubbs’ 29 (24) set a new SA T20 benchmark. Brevis’ 34 steadied early nerves after batting first. NZ’s Henry, McConchie, Ravindra (2 wickets apiece), Ferguson, and Neesham responded, but the damage was done.
The final awaits the victor on March 8. This eclipses all but Stoinis-Wade’s 81* (Aus vs Pak 2021), with Mathews-Sangakkara 68* (SL vs Pak 2009), Bailey-Cummins 54* (Aus vs Eng 2016), and Hussey-Johnson 53* (Aus vs Pak 2010) behind.
In high-stakes cricket, such stands highlight resilience. Jansen-Stubs’ heroics position South Africa as serious contenders, blending audacity and strategy for potential glory.