The first semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026 is in progress at the world-famous Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa and New Zealand are locking horns in this highly competitive match to reach the finals. New Zealand’s bowlers have made scoring difficult for the Proteas.

After winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bowl first, and the strategy paid off as the South African top order struggled at the start of the innings. Cole McConchie got the better of Quinton de Kock for 10 and Ryan Rickelton for a duck. Aiden Markram tried to consolidate the innings and managed to score just 18 runs.

South Africa found themselves under pressure as the wickets started to fall at regular intervals. The Kiwi bowlers were tight and not giving the batters the freedom to score. By the time the innings approached the middle overs, South Africa were already in trouble. The situation became even worse with the fall of another key wicket.

Rachin Ravindra Removes Dangerous David Miller

The major moment of the innings came in the 10th over when David Miller lost his wicket. Rachin Ravindra bowled a full delivery at 94.8 kmph outside the off stump. Miller attempted to attack the ball and tried to hit it over long-off. However, he could not connect properly and hit it off the toe end of the bat.

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🚨 DAVID MILLER vs NZ IN ICC KNOCKOUTS 🚨

• 2015 – 49 (18) in the ICC Cricket World Cup 🔥
• 2025 – 100* (67) in the ICC Champions Trophy 💯👑
• 2026 – 6 (6) in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 💔#SAvNZ #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/C263XGWD9X

— Ahmad Says (@Ahm67518) March 4, 2026

See Also: Watch: Cole McConchie's two-wicket over put SA on the back foot in SA vs NZ Semifinal 1 of T20 World Cup 2026

The ball went high into the air and stayed there for a few seconds. Daryl Mitchell tracked it carefully from long off and moved to his left. He completed a safe catch just inside the boundary line. Miller had to walk back after scoring only 6 runs from 6 balls, leaving South Africa at 77/4.

New Zealand’s bowling performance has been very disciplined. McConchie’s early breakthroughs put South Africa under pressure, while Ravindra controlled the middle overs. He also removed important players like Markram and Miller. As the match reaches the halfway stage, New Zealand appears to have the upper hand in this crucial semi-final.