Kolkata, March 4 (NationPress) The inaugural semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is about to kick off, featuring New Zealand going head-to-head against South Africa at Eden Gardens this Wednesday. The victor will secure a place in the final, where they will encounter either India or England.

Both teams have showcased stellar performances throughout the tournament. The Black Caps clinched the second position in their Super 8 group, ensuring their advancement to the semi-finals, while South Africa exhibited dominance in Group 1, which included India and the West Indies, finishing at the top.

With both teams in formidable form, this match is set to be an electrifying showdown as they compete for a spot in the championship match. As excitement mounts, fans are closely monitoring the weather conditions in Kolkata prior to this crucial encounter.

Fortunately, the weather outlook appears promising. Predictions indicate a low likelihood of rain, with clear skies anticipated over the city. AccuWeather reports that temperatures are expected to start around a pleasant 29 degrees Celsius, gradually falling to about 23 degrees in the evening.

However, the pitches used in the last two games at Eden Gardens during this tournament have been rather flat. Coupled with relatively small boundaries and a fast outfield, bowlers will face a daunting challenge, with teams batting first likely aiming for totals exceeding 200.

The first semi-final will take place on the adjacent pitch used by India in their match against the West Indies, ensuring similar boundary dimensions. Once again, the surface appears dry.

Historically, the average first innings score at this venue over the past 19 matches stands at 162, while the second innings total averages 143.

In contrast to the Super 8 phase, where no reserve time was allocated, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced special provisions for the semi-finals and final. An additional 90 minutes have been designated on the match day to guarantee a result if feasible.

In the case of rain delays, there won't be a bowl-out or toss to determine the outcome; qualification rules will apply based on Super 8 standings.

If the first semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa on March 4 is entirely washed out, play will continue on the designated reserve day, March 5, from the exact point of interruption.

If weather conditions hinder any play on the reserve day, the team that ranked higher in their respective Super 8 group will proceed to the final.

In this scenario, South Africa led Super 8 Group 1 with six points, while New Zealand moved forward with three points from Group 2. Hence, if the match is unplayable, South Africa would advance to the final.