New Zealand have taken firm control of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal against South Africa with a breathtaking start to their chase at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chasing 170 for victory, the Black Caps raced to 124/1 in 10 overs, putting the Proteas under immense pressure in the knockout clash.
Earlier, South Africa posted 169/8 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, who opted to bowl after winning the toss.
Jansen rescues South Africa
South Africa had a shaky start and at one stage were struggling at 77/5. However, Marco Jansen played a crucial counter-attacking innings, smashing 55 off 30 balls* to lift the Proteas to a competitive total.
Jansen also shared a vital partnership with Tristan Stubbs, helping South Africa recover after the early collapse. New Zealand bowlers kept things tight toward the end, with Matt Henry delivering an excellent final over and picking up wickets to restrict the total.
Seifert and Allen explode in the powerplay
New Zealand’s reply began in sensational fashion. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen launched a fierce assault on the South African bowlers, racing to 84/0 in the first six overs, the highest powerplay score in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
Both batters dominated the attack with boundaries all around the ground. Seifert reached a rapid half-century and scored 58 runs before being bowled by Kagiso Rabada, giving South Africa their first breakthrough.
Allen, however, continued the assault and smashed a blistering 19-ball fifty, keeping the chase well under control for New Zealand.
Match situation
At the moment, New Zealand are 124/1 in 10 overs, with Finn Allen still at the crease, and they are cruising toward the 170-run target. South Africa need quick wickets to get back into the contest, while the Black Caps are closing in on a place in the T20 World Cup final.
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