Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri has warned that South Africa cannot afford to lower their guard against New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final on Wednesday, March 4, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament, winning all seven of their matches, including a seven-wicket victory over the Black Caps during the group stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Shastri emphasised that while it may appear one team has the upper hand, facing a side of New Zealand’s calibre means the momentum can shift quickly.
“You can never drop your guard against New Zealand, thinking you’ve got your nose in front and tend to relax. Because then suddenly there’ll be a period where two or three wickets go and they’ll be back in the thick of things,” Shastri said on ICC review.
‘THEY DON’T GIVE AN INCH’
New Zealand have experienced a mixed campaign, marked by both setbacks and resilience. Led by Mitchell Santner, they were at risk of an early exit but narrowly secured a semi-final berth after edging out Pakistan on net run rate to finish in the top four.
Shastri noted that the Kiwis are meticulous in their preparation and maintain intensity on the field, rarely taking a backward step regardless of the match situation.
“I think their preparation is incredibly detailed. Where they study each player, which bowlers should bowl, when to a particular batsman,” he said.
“Their matchups are fantastic. And you see on the field, they don’t give an inch. They’re hanging in there,” Shastri added.
South Africa have historically held the upper hand over New Zealand in T20Is, winning 12 of their 19 encounters. Their dominance has been even more pronounced in T20 World Cups, where the Proteas have won all five of their matches against the Black Caps, including victories over the 2021 runners-up.
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