South Africa vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Semi-Final: Weather Forecast, Pitch Report And Key Details

The first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will feature a thrilling encounter between the South Africa national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team in Kolkata on Wednesday.

The victor will earn a coveted berth in the final, where either the India national cricket team or the England cricket team awaits.

Both teams have delivered strong performances en route to the knockout stage.

South Africa concluded the Super 8 phase at the summit of Group 1, while New Zealand secured qualification after finishing second in their respective group.

Supporters can take heart from the forecast, which points towards largely uninterrupted play.

Weather projections suggest only a remote chance of showers, with predominantly clear skies over the city.

Temperatures will hover around 29°C at the start of the match and then gradually drop to approximately 23°C as the evening unfolds, providing comfortable conditions for play.

Ground staff have prepared batting-friendly pitches for the recent matches at Eden Gardens. The combination of compact boundaries and a swift outfield has heavily favoured stroke-makers, leaving bowlers under sustained pressure.

Ground staff have prepared the semi-final on a pitch adjacent to the one used for India’s match against the West Indies, ensuring nearly symmetrical square boundaries.

The track once again appears dry, which could encourage another high-scoring affair.

Venue Statistics

Data from the previous 19 games at the venue indicates an average first-innings score of 162, while teams chasing have averaged 143.

Unlike the earlier Super 8 stage, the International Cricket Council has introduced additional safeguards for the knockout fixtures, including 90 minutes of extra time on match day and a reserve day scheduled for 5 March.

If rain prevents officials from completing the match on either day, they will decide qualification based on the Super 8 standings.

South Africa finished at the top of their group with six points, while New Zealand advanced with three points. Therefore, South Africa will progress to the final if the match is abandoned.

Also Read: India vs West Indies Super 8 Sets New ICC Streaming Record At T20 World Cup 2026