By
SABC Sport
4th March 2026
After being put in bat at the toss, the Proteas managed to scramble to a total of 169-8 thanks to Marco Jansen's 55 no out but had no answers as the Kiwis chased down the target.
New Zealand opening pair of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen then got to a rollicking start in the run-chase, putting on 117 off just 9.1 overs.
Seifert struck 58 from 33 balls before being bowled by Kagiso Rabada but Allen carried his bat to score a magnificent 100 not out from just 33 deliveries.
The Proteas bowling attack had now answers to the onslaught with a opportunity spurned when wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock called for a catch when Seifert skied one but got nowhere near it and it was best to leave it to Dewald Brevis in a better position.
The South Africans started the game of the back foot when De Kock and Ryan Rickelton were dismissed off consecutive balls in the second over by off-spinner Cole McConchie to leave the Proteas 12-2.
Brevis 34 but he fell in the 11th over, the Proteas were in deep trouble on 77-5 until Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen scripted a rescue mission.
The duo put on a record sixth-wicket partnership of 73 with Stubbs circumspect and measured 29 off 22 balls.
Jansen though was playing his best knock in the shortest format at the highest level and ended on a career-best 55 not out from 30 balls to at least the total a respectable feel.
In the end it did noy prove to be enough as the Kiwis hammered the score down and will take on India or England in Sunday's final.
