New Zealand national cricket team entered the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating South Africa national cricket team by nine wickets in the first semi final.
The victory also ended South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament and secured a dominant place for New Zealand in the final.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. South Africa struggled early as their top order failed to build strong partnerships.
Marco Jansen played a key role for South Africa with a powerful late innings. He remained unbeaten on 55 from 30 balls, hitting two fours and five sixes.
Dewald Brevis contributed 34 runs while Tristan Stubbs added 29 runs to support the total.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie and Rachin Ravindra took two wickets each. Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham picked up one wicket each.
South Africa finished their innings at 169 for 8. The total looked competitive but New Zealand produced a powerful response during the chase.
Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen gave New Zealand a flying start. The pair added 117 runs for the first wicket.
Seifert scored a solid 58 runs before getting out. Allen continued the attack and delivered a stunning innings.
Finn Allen smashed 100 not out from just 33 balls. His innings included 10 fours and 8 sixes and completely shifted the momentum of the match.
The century also became the first by a New Zealand player in a T20 World Cup semi final.
New Zealand chased down the target in only 12.5 overs while losing just one wicket. Kagiso Rabada took the only wicket for South Africa.
With this victory, New Zealand advanced to the T20 World Cup 2026 final. The title match will be played in Ahmedabad on March 8.
