T20 WC: New Zealand win toss; opts to field vs South Africa in semi-final
Kolkata, March 4
New Zealand has won the toss and decided to field against the unbeaten South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Wednesday.
The high-stakes encounter is being held at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
In the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, South Africa has had the upper hand against New Zealand. The Proteas have clinched victories in every T20 World Cup game played against the Black Caps so far.
New Zealand and South Africa have faced each other in 19 matches in T20Is. Out of these 19 games, the BlackCaps have secured seven victories, whereas the Proteas have come out victorious on 12 occasions.
After winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner said his side will aim to put South Africa under pressure.
"We're gonna have a bowl, the pitch looked pretty good the other night. We know they are a great outfit, and we know we gotta be on, we need to do our thing, put them under pressure and see what happens. Matt Henry has made it back on time. So he is there. Neesham is back," Santner said.
South Africa skipper Aiden Markram confirmed that Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj returned to the playing XI.
"Everyone contributed at some really pleasing stage. Hopefully, we can start well with the bat and put a good score on the board. We trained here last night, and putting runs on the board in a knock-out game is not the worst thing. We got 3 changes. Rabada, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj are back for us," Markram said.
Teams:
New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
South Africa's record against NZ in World Cups is scary! 12-7 overall and unbeaten in T20 WCs. Looks like a mental block for the Kiwis. But anything can happen in a semi-final!
As a neutral fan in Kolkata, just happy to see a world-class match at Eden Gardens! The atmosphere here is electric. Rabada and Henry returning is a big boost for both attacks.
Santner's logic makes sense. Put runs on the board in a knockout? Maybe, but chasing a target with a clear mind can be better. South Africa's batting looks very strong on paper though.
Respectfully, I think the article could have included more about the Indian fans' perspective watching this. We love hosting, but our hearts are already with the India vs England semi-final tomorrow! 😄
Key battle: Rabada vs Finn Allen in the powerplay! If SA gets early wickets, they will be halfway there. NZ needs Rachin Ravindra to fire at the top. Let's go! 🏏
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