South Africa’s resurgence in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal was epitomized by Marco Jansen’s match-defining unbeaten half-century, as they set New Zealand 170 to win at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. After New Zealand elected to field, Proteas openers de Kock and Rickelton folded cheaply at 12/2. Klaasen (18) and Brevis added 43 crucial runs, but a middle-order collapse saw Miller and Brevis exit at 77/5, threatening a below-par score.
Jansen and Stubbs turned the tide with a 73-run partnership that lifted spirits and the scoreboard. Stubbs’ 29 ended Ferguson’s intervention, but Jansen held fort, his 30-ball 55 adorned with two fours and five massive sixes. Bosch (2) and Rabada (0) followed suit in quick succession, Maharaj (1*) unbeaten.
New Zealand’s attack was spearheaded by Henry’s economical 2/34 in four overs, with McConchie grabbing 2/9 in a solitary over, Ferguson 1/29, Neesham 1/42, and Ravindra 2/29. This total positions South Africa strongly, with Jansen’s dual threat looming large. New Zealand’s batsmen now face immense pressure to overhaul 170 and secure a final berth under the Kolkata lights.