KOLKATA: Then there were four. After nearly a month of 52 matches, four teams will compete for the coveted T20 World Cup. On Wednesday, the two usual suspects – South Africa and New Zealand, two countries with a healthy sporting rivalry – will meet in the first knockout game at Eden Gardens and there appears to be little difference between the two.
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These are two of the most balanced teams at this World Cup, but South Africa, who have won the World Test title but have yet to get a chance at a white-ball World Cup, are arguably the favourite.
“We will probably be favorites because we are the only undefeated team,” South Africa coach Shukri Konrad said. “I don’t know if it adds pressure. There’s enough pressure in the semifinals. I’m happy we’re the favorites.”
What was really impressive about South Africa was how they played as a team, with different players standing up at different times to be counted. David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Janssen got the job done for them even with the early loss of Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickton and Dewald Blevis. “There’s a calmness on that side of the team, especially the batting group. No matter what the situation is, someone will find a way,” Conrad said.
South Australia seemed to believe that taking wickets was the best way to restrict runs. Lungi Ngidi made an impact with his change of pace, along with Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. “We may not be leaving South African shores with a mystery spinner, but we have a mystery seamer in Lungi Ngidi. Corbin Bosch nailed his yorker at the death,” Conrad said.
South Africa would love to return to the Eden Gardens, where they won their first Test in India in 15 years last November. “We are looking forward to traveling to Kolkata, where our trip started a few months ago and went very well for us,” the coach said. “We hope to make some great memories there again.”
The Black Caps have their work cut out for them if they are to end South Africa’s seven-match unbeaten run. Taking into account the change in circumstances, New Zealand will need to reshuffle their squad after five matches in Colombo, where they have played all their Super 8 matches. Matt Henry rejoined the team on game day morning after returning from paternity leave, and the team will make a final decision on whether to play him.
Additionally, having Rob Walter as coach should be an advantage for New Zealand. Johannesburg-born Walter took charge of the SA ODI and T20I teams from 2023-25 and helped them reach the 2024 T20 World Cup finals. “While South Africa have played some very good cricket, we obviously believe we can beat them. It’s just a bad day for a team that’s playing well. We need to get ready and play our best cricket,” Walter said.
