South Africa Sets Competitive Target Against New Zealand in T20 World Cup Semi-Final
Thrilling Semi-Final Encounter at Eden Gardens
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 4: In a gripping ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final, South Africa managed to score a challenging 169 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs against New Zealand, despite a rocky beginning that saw them losing early wickets.
Key performances from Marco Jansen, along with crucial breakthroughs by New Zealand's bowlers, kept the match competitive throughout the innings at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
After being invited to bat first, South Africa struggled initially. In the second over bowled by Cole McConchie, they lost two wickets in quick succession.
McConchie first dismissed wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who scored 10 runs off 8 balls, including two boundaries, and then sent Ryan Rickelton back for a golden duck. By the end of the first power play, South Africa had stabilized to a score of 52 for 2.
During the eighth over, Rachin Ravindra claimed the crucial wicket of captain Aiden Markram, who managed 18 runs off 20 balls, hitting two boundaries.
Ravindra then struck again in the 10th over, taking out the dangerous David Miller, who could only muster 6 runs, leaving South Africa at 77 for 4.
In the following over, James Neesham added to the woes by dismissing Dewald Brevis, who fought back with a score of 34 runs off 27 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes.
After 15 overs, South Africa stood at 108 for 5. Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs then unleashed a flurry of runs, scoring 22 runs off Neesham, bringing the total to 150 for 5 by the end of the 18th over.
However, in the first ball of the 18th over, Lockie Ferguson took the vital wicket of Tristan Stubbs, who scored 29 runs off 24 balls, including two fours and a six.
In a spectacular finish, Marco Jansen's explosive unbeaten knock of 55 runs off just 30 balls, which included two fours and five sixes, propelled South Africa to a total of 169 for 8.
For New Zealand, the standout bowlers included Matt Henry (2/34), Cole McConchie (2/9), Lockie Ferguson (1/29), James Neesham (1/42), and Rachin Ravindra (2/29).