Black Caps Seek Revenge Against Unbeaten South Africa in World Cup Semi-Final

In Colombo on Saturday, New Zealand’s players and staff gathered in small groups, anxiously monitoring Pakistan’s game against Sri Lanka. Their hope was to see Pakistan win by a specific margin to secure a spot in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite Pakistan’s victory, it wasn't enough, allowing the Black Caps to advance. Captain Mitchell Santner described the experience as "pretty tough to watch" as they awaited the outcome. Now, New Zealand prepares to face South Africa, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, on Wednesday in Kolkata. South Africa boasts six wins, including a significant victory over New Zealand in the group stage, but captain Aiden Markram cautioned against complacency, asserting that past performances don't guarantee future results. Santner emphasized the equal footing both teams share in this knockout match. "We back ourselves in one-off games against most teams," he stated, acknowledging South Africa’s strength while remaining confident in his squad’s abilities. Both teams have yet to play at Eden Gardens during the tournament, and New Zealand is keenly analyzing the pitch conditions after observing the game between India and West Indies. Santner noted that the wicket appeared favorable, with some dew expected in the second innings. In terms of squad readiness, New Zealand is monitoring Matt Henry, who returned to India for the birth of his second child. If he is deemed unfit due to jetlag, Jacob Duffy is likely to step in. Santner expressed hope that Henry would be ready for the crucial encounter.

Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-03-03