South Africa Sets Target of 170 with Jansen's Stellar 55 Against New Zealand
Synopsis
In a thrilling semifinal clash at Eden Gardens, Marco Jansen's unbeaten 55 leads South Africa to a total of 169/8 against New Zealand, setting the stage for an exciting chase in the T20 World Cup.
Key Takeaways
Marco Jansen scored an unbeaten 55, leading South Africa's innings.
South Africa set a target of 170 runs for New Zealand.
New Zealand bowlers, especially McConchie and Ravindra, took crucial wickets.
The match took place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Conditions may favor batting as dew sets in during the second innings.
Kolkata, March 4 (NationPress) In the first semifinal of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, left-arm seam-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen played a crucial innings, scoring an unbeaten 55 to propel South Africa to a total of 169/8 in their 20 overs against New Zealand.
Facing a challenging situation at 77/5 after just 10.2 overs, Jansen's performance was pivotal. He hit two fours and five sixes to reach his fifty in just 27 balls on a pitch that was difficult for batting. His innings set a target of 170 runs for New Zealand to chase if they wish to progress to the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
As the dew began to settle, the pitch was expected to favor batting, potentially giving an edge to the Blackcaps. For New Zealand, Cole McConchie, Rachin Ravindra, and Matt Henry each took two wickets, halting South Africa's momentum, although they conceded 61 runs in the final five overs.
After being put in to bat first, Quinton de Kock started with a stylish four and six but was dismissed by McConchie in the opening over. Shortly after, McConchie also took out Ryan Rickelton for a golden duck.
Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis tried to stabilize the innings, with Markram receiving a reprieve on three runs. Brevis struck boundaries against Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham, but Markram ultimately fell for 18, caught at long-on off Ravindra in the eighth over.
Brevis maintained his aggressive stance, hitting Ravindra for a six and another maximum off Mitchell Santner. However, he was dismissed for 34 by a catch at cover off Neesham in the 11th over, while David Miller soon followed for just six runs.
Jansen then partnered with Tristan Stubbs to stabilize the innings. After hitting a boundary off Santner, Jansen cleared the long-on boundary twice against both Ravindra and Henry. Stubbs showed signs of acceleration, pulling Henry for a four and driving Neesham for both a four and a six, matching Jansen's efforts.
Their partnership helped South Africa surpass 150 before Stubbs was bowled by Ferguson in the 19th over. Jansen continued his assault, reaching his maiden fifty of the tournament with back-to-back sixes off Ferguson. He finished the innings not out on 55, and despite the loss of Corbin Bosch and Kagiso Rabada in the final over, South Africa managed to set a competitive total.
Brief scores:
South Africa 169/8 in 20 overs (Marco Jansen 55 not out, Dewald Brevis 34; Cole McConchie 2-9, Rachin Ravindra 2-29) against New Zealand.
Point of View
The match showcased remarkable resilience from Marco Jansen, who played a defining role in South Africa's innings. The early wickets put the Proteas under pressure, but Jansen's explosive batting provided a much-needed boost. New Zealand's bowlers, particularly McConchie and Ravindra, demonstrated skill in restricting runs, setting the stage for an intriguing chase.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the top scorer for South Africa?
Marco Jansen was the top scorer for South Africa, finishing with an unbeaten 55 runs.
What was the final score of South Africa?
South Africa scored 169 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs.
Which bowlers took two wickets for New Zealand?
Cole McConchie, Rachin Ravindra, and Matt Henry each took two wickets for New Zealand.
Where was the semifinal match played?
The semifinal match was played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
What do New Zealand need to do to win?
New Zealand needs to chase down the target of 170 runs set by South Africa to win the match.
