South Africa juggernaut faces knockout test against New Zealand

March 2 : South Africa have hardly put a foot wrong in their march to the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals, but complacency can have no place against a New Zealand side famed for punching above their weight when the teams meet at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

The Proteas are the tournament's only unbeaten side and look a far more rounded T20 unit than the one that fell at the last hurdle in 2024. They beat New Zealand in the group stage and have earned the favourites' tag that rested with defending champions India before the start of the tournament.

India face England in the other semi-final on Thursday.

"I'm glad that we're favourites, because I've always felt that as a South African team you want to be able to play as a favourite," head coach Shukri Conrad said, suggesting they were enjoying the spotlight.

Since surviving a double Super Over against Afghanistan, Aiden Markram's side have not taken their foot off the pedal.

In Quinton de Kock, Markram and Ryan Rickelton, they field a top order capable of banking a powerplay head-start, with an explosive middle order offering little respite when the openers do not fire.

South Africa complement it with a varied bowling attack.

Kagiso Rabada's hard, test-match lengths and Marco Jansen's left‑arm bounce have cramped batters, while Lungi Ngidi's change-ups have been a revelation across phases.

Left‑arm spinner Keshav Maharaj provides control if conditions grip, with Markram holding himself back for match‑ups.

KNOCKOUT STAGE CHALLENGE

South Africa have looked ominous so far but the knockout stage brings its own challenge. Besides, New Zealand can be a tricky opponent.

New Zealand opener Finn Allen's ultra aggression is often the powerplay disruptor alongside a rotating partner - Devon Conway