The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 first semi-final will see New Zealand taking on South Africa at Eden Gardens. Both teams have performed well, with New Zealand securing the second spot in their group and South Africa finishing on top of Group 1.
Fans can expect an intense battle as the two teams compete for a spot in the final match. Weather forecasts for Kolkata indicate clear skies and minimal chances of rain, with temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius at the start.
The pitch conditions at Eden Gardens have favored batsmen, with small boundaries and a fast outfield posing challenges for bowlers. Teams will aim for a total above 200 in the high-stakes semi-final match. The ICC has allocated extra time for the semi-finals and final to ensure a result in case of rain interruptions.
The semi-final match between South Africa and New Zealand has provisions for a reserve day in case of a complete washout. If the game cannot be completed even on the reserve day, the team with a higher standing in their Super 8 group will advance to the final. In this case, South Africa, having topped their group, would progress to the summit clash.
