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Marco Jansen's Blazing 55* Powers South Africa to 169/8 in T20 WC Semi-Final

South Africa posted a competitive 169/8 against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup semi-final after a shaky start. Marco Jansen's unbeaten 55 from just 30 balls provided a crucial late-innings surge. New Zealand's bowlers, led by Cole McConchie's early double-wicket over, kept the pressure on throughout. The Proteas' total sets up a challenging chase for New Zealand in Kolkata.

Key Points: Jansen's 55* lifts SA to 169/8 vs NZ in T20 WC semi-final

  • Jansen's explosive 55* from 30 balls
  • Early wickets for NZ's McConchie
  • SA recovered from 77/4
  • Competitive total of 169/8 posted
  • NZ bowlers shared wickets
2 min read

T20 WC: Jansen's fantastic 55* helps South Africa post 169/8 vs New Zealand in semi-final

Marco Jansen's unbeaten 55 off 30 balls helps South Africa post 169/8 against New Zealand in a tense ICC T20 World Cup semi-final in Kolkata.

"Marco Jansen's blistering unbeaten 30-ball 55... helped South Africa post 169/8 - Match Report"

Kolkata, March 4

South Africa managed to post a competitive 169/8 in their 20 overs against New Zealand in a thrilling ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-final clash, despite a shaky start that saw them lose early wickets.

Key contributions from Marco Jansen and timely breakthroughs by New Zealand bowlers kept the contest evenly poised throughout the innings at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.

After being asked to bat first, South Africa were off to a poor start. During the second over of Cole McConchie, the Proteas lost two back-to-back wickets.

McConchie first removed wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock (10 off eight balls, with two boundaries) and then dismissed Ryan Rickelton for a golden duck. After the end of the first power play, South Africa recovered well and made 52/2.

During the fourth ball of the eighth over, Rachin Ravindra got the key wicket of captain Aiden Markram. The Proteas skipper made 18 off 20 balls, with two boundaries.

Ravindra then got the wicket of dangerous David Miller during the final of the 10th over. Miller departed after scoring just six runs. South Africa slumped to 77/4.

In the very next over, James Neesham took the wicket of Dewald Brevis. The right-handed batter played a fighting knock of 34 off 27 balls, with three fours and two sixes.

After the end of 15 overs, the Proteas reached 108/5. Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs unleashed their beast as they combined to hammer 22 runs against James Neesham. The Proteas reached 150/5 after the end of 18 overs.

During the first ball of the 18th over, Lockie Ferguson got the much-needed wicket of Tristan Stubbs. The right-arm seamer clean bowled Stubbs for 29 off 24 balls, with two fours and one six.

Towards the end, Marco Jansen's blistering unbeaten 30-ball 55, with two fours and five towering sixes, helped South Africa post 169/8 in 20 overs.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry (2/34), Cole McConchie (2/9), Lockie Ferguson (1/29), James Neesham (1/42), and Rachin Ravindra (2/29) were among the wicket-takers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
McConchie's spell was brilliant! 2 wickets for just 9 runs in a semi-final is outstanding. But Jansen's knock just overshadowed everything. 55* off 30 balls is pure carnage. New Zealand's death bowling looked a bit weak today, Neesham went for 42 runs. This is going to be a tight chase!
A
Aman W
As an Indian fan watching from Kolkata, the atmosphere must be electric! 169 is a very competitive total on this ground. South Africa's batting depth saved them again. But honestly, the top order collapse is a concern they need to fix before the final (if they get there). Miller getting out for 6 was a big surprise.
S
Sarah B
Respectful criticism: The article could have highlighted the fielding efforts a bit more. In a tight game like this, a dropped catch or a great save can be the difference. Jansen's innings was fantastic, but how did the Kiwi fielders react under pressure? That context matters.
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Vikram M
Brevis played a good hand of 34, stabilized the innings after those early wickets. But the real hero is Jansen! Five sixes! 🤯 That's pure entertainment. New Zealand has a good batting line-up though. Williamson vs Rabada in the powerplay will be the key battle now. Can't wait for the second innings!
K
Karthik V
Eden Gardens proving to be a great host as always! From an Indian perspective, watching two quality sides battle it out is a treat. 169 is exactly the kind of par score that makes T20

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