Proteas expect fresh New Zealand challenge in World Cup semi

Proteas skipper, Aiden Markram, says South Africa’s group-stage victory over New Zealand will count for little when the two sides meet in the T20 World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The teams will meet at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens in the first semi-final at 3.30pm, with both nations dying their first ever ICC World Cup trophy.

South Africa enter the encounter as the tournament’s only unbeaten side and will start as favourites after beating the Black Caps by seven wickets in the group stage last month.

However, Markram says the earlier result offers no guarantees.

“We had a good run against them in the group stages, but both teams have played a lot of cricket since then,” he said.

“It’s a completely fresh start tomorrow [Wednesday] and it being a semi-final which is exciting as well.

“I don’t think it’s as straightforward as just being able to repeat that. We’ll try to bring our best game to the front again.”

It’s The Semi-Final! 💥#TheProteas step into a massive showdown against New Zealand with a spot in the final on the line. 🇿🇦

Expect intensity, passion and pride in every moment as our title charge continues in the #T20WorldCup. 🏆

This is knockout cricket at its finest! Catch… pic.twitter.com/xqvbhM22AN

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 2, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari