Finn Allen’s 33-ball century powers New Zealand to nine-wicket win over South Africa

New Zealand stormed into the final with a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa, chasing 170 in just 12.5 overs. Finn Allen produced a sensational unbeaten 100 off 33 balls, smashing 10 fours and eight sixes. Tim Seifert set the tone earlier with a rapid 58 off 33 deliveries before falling to Kagiso Rabada. Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 13 as New Zealand completed the chase in style, overwhelming South Africa with a blistering batting display.

Tim Seifert has gone to the pavilion, scoring 59

New Zealand tightened their grip on the chase, reaching 131/1 in 10.5 overs against South Africa. Finn Allen continued his explosive knock, smashing 59 off 24 balls, while Tim Seifert earlier made a quick 58 before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada. Their opening stand set the platform with a rapid scoring rate above 12 runs per over. With Rachin Ravindra joining Allen at the crease, New Zealand now require just 39 runs from 55 balls to seal victory.

Seifert, Allen power NZ to 107/0 in chase of 170

New Zealand made a blistering start in their chase of 170 against South Africa, reaching 107/0 in just 8.1 overs. Tim Seifert led the charge with a powerful 57 off 31 balls, while Finn Allen smashed 49 from only 18 deliveries. The duo dominated the powerplay, racing to 84 runs in the first six overs and putting the Proteas bowlers under immense pressure. With all ten wickets in hand, New Zealand now need just 63 runs from 71 balls.

Marco Jansen’s late blitz lifts South Africa to 169/8 after an explosive finish from the 18th over

South Africa produced a strong late surge from the 18th over to finish on 169/8 against New Zealand. Marco Jansen led the charge with an explosive unbeaten 55 off 30 balls. The 18th over from James Neesham went for 22 runs, shifting momentum towards the Proteas. Jansen continued the assault in the 17th and 19th overs alongside Tristan Stubbs, who made 29. Despite two wickets in the final over, South Africa managed a powerful finish at Eden Gardens.

Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs rebuild as South Africa reach 128/5 in 17 overs after early New Zealand strikes

South Africa moved to 128/5 in 17 overs against New Zealand after suffering early setbacks in the T20 World Cup semifinal. Dewald Brevis’ 34 provided initial resistance before his dismissal triggered another wobble. However, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen stitched together a crucial late partnership to stabilise the innings and push the scoring rate. Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie picked up two wickets each as New Zealand bowlers kept things tight through the middle overs in Kolkata.

Dewald Brevis fights back as South Africa reach 77/4 in 10 overs after New Zealand opt to bowl in the semifinal

South Africa reached 77/4 after 10 overs against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup semifinal after being asked to bat first. Early blows saw Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton depart quickly, while skipper Aiden Markram also fell after a brief stay. Dewald Brevis steadied the innings with a brisk 34 off 25 balls, keeping the scoreboard moving. Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie struck twice each as New Zealand maintained pressure through the middle overs in Kolkata.

Playing XI

New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

SA vs NZ semifinal: New Zealand win toss, opt to bowl, Matt Henry returns in Kolkata

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl first against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Fast bowler Matt Henry returned to the playing XI, strengthening the Kiwi pace attack for the crucial knockout clash against the unbeaten Proteas.

SA vs NZ Head-to-head: When and where to watch T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal in Kolkata

Unbeaten South Africa will face an inconsistent New Zealand in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Proteas have dominated the head-to-head record with 12 wins from 19 matches, while the Kiwis have managed seven victories. New Zealand will rely on Tim Seifert, Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra, while South Africa’s strong lineup raises expectations. The semifinal will begin at 7 PM IST, with live broadcast on Star Sports and streaming available on Jio Hotstar.

Suspected arson fire breaks out at Macclesfield FC’s historic Moss Rose Stadium

A fire broke out at Macclesfield FC’s Moss Rose Stadium in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting a swift response from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to control the blaze, which reportedly started in an outbuilding near the club shop. Authorities believe the incident may have been a deliberate arson attack and have launched an investigation. No injuries were reported, and the club urged supporters to stay away while emergency crews secured the area.

Ex-Australia star Stuart MacGill loses cool after host brings up David Warner’s wife controversy

Former Australia leg-spinner Stuart MacGill lost his temper during a Cricket Unfiltered podcast after host Andrew Menczel brought up the controversy involving David Warner’s wife, Candice Warner, from Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa. MacGill strongly objected to revisiting the topic and erupted in anger, hurling insults at the host during the heated exchange. The argument escalated quickly before the episode ended, with the incident drawing widespread attention across social media.

Lakshya Sen stuns world No.1 Shi Yuqi to reach All England Round of 16

India’s Lakshya Sen produced a major upset at the All England Open Badminton Championships, defeating world No.1 Shi Yuqi in a gripping three-game match. Sen won 23–21, 19–21, 21–17 in the opening round, showcasing strong defence and attacking control in crucial moments. The victory knocked out the defending champion early and sent the Indian shuttler into the Round of 16, marking one of his most significant wins of the season.

Tennis season begins amid global tensions as players prepare for hard-court swing

The global tennis season is beginning under the shadow of rising geopolitical tensions, with several tournaments facing travel concerns and security discussions. Events such as the upcoming Masters tournaments are proceeding, but players and organisers remain alert to the broader international situation. Despite the uncertainty, top stars are continuing their preparations as the new hard-court swing begins. Officials insist schedules remain unchanged for now, though the sport is closely monitoring developments that could potentially affect travel, participation, and tournament logistics in the weeks ahead.