New Zealand beat South Africa by 9 wickets in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final 1 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday 4 March 2026, with play starting at 19:00 IST (UTC+5:30). Eden Gardens has a capacity of 68,000 and is one of the largest cricket venues in the world.

A 9-wicket victory in a T20 World Cup semifinal is exceptional, and New Zealand’s demolition of South Africa at Eden Gardens was one of the most complete performances of the entire tournament. South Africa had looked like the form team through the Super Eight, but New Zealand’s bowlers restricted the Proteas and their openers then dismantled the target with almost contemptuous ease. The result ended South Africa’s latest agonising World Cup campaign and sent New Zealand to the final.

South Africa’s exit added another chapter to their difficult history at ICC knockout events. They had won three straight Super Eight matches, looked clinical and composed, and entered the semifinal as many neutral observers’ pick for champions. New Zealand’s performance was not a lucky upset; it was precise, professional cricket executed under the highest possible pressure. The Black Caps had reached back-to-back T20 World Cup finals.

Eden Gardens in Kolkata is one of the game’s most storied venues. With a capacity of 68,000, it generates an atmosphere that few grounds in any sport can match. Hosting a T20 World Cup semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand, with a neutral Indian crowd primarily watching for the spectacle of high-stakes cricket, produced conditions where neither team had a clear crowd advantage, making New Zealand’s performance even more impressive.

Timezone conversions for the 19:00 IST (UTC+5:30) start: 13:30 GMT for viewers in the United Kingdom, 08:30 EST for the US East Coast, 00:30 AEDT (next day) for viewers in Sydney, and 15:30 SAST for South African fans. Cricket followers in New Zealand watched from 02:30 NZDT (next day). Check Kolkata time and India time for exact local conversions.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the 10th edition, was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featuring 20 teams in 55 matches from 7 February to 8 March 2026. New Zealand went on to contest the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where India beat them by 96 runs to claim the title.

For timezone conversions, check Kolkata time, South Africa time, and New Zealand time.