T20 World Cup: Markram's South Africa Eyes NZ Semi-Final

Proteas unbeaten, but Markram wants more

Aiden Markram praises team's smart cricket and Quinton de Kock's influence as South Africa eyes semi-final win vs New Zealand.

Markram keeps Proteas grounded despite perfect run; de Kock's impact highlighted...

South Africa is riding high on their unbeaten streak at the T20 World Cup, but captain Aiden Markram is keeping his team grounded ahead of the semi-final against New Zealand. “I wish cricket was that easy,"

”Markram said with a wry smile, acknowledging the challenge ahead. The Proteas have won all seven matches, including a convincing 7-wicket win over New Zealand in the group stage.

Markram emphasized that his team won't take anything for granted, especially with the change of venue. “New Zealand is a quality team, they've proved that over many years now. We had a good runout against them in the group stage, but both teams have played a lot of cricket since then, and it's completely a fresh start tomorrow,” he added. The team is focused on executing their plans and adapting to the conditions at Eden Gardens.

Markram highlighted the importance of making good decisions under pressure and credited wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock's influence on the team's smart cricket. “We've got a lot of good experience in the group, and Quinny reads conditions really well from behind the stumps, making a massive difference for us,” he said.

“I don't think it's as straightforward as just being able ⁠to repeat that again,”  he added.

Aiden Markram, South Africa's captain, is keeping things real, saying they're not taking anything for granted, especially with the Eden Gardens pitch being a wildcard. The surface is expected to be a high-scoring one, with dark soil that could favor batters. Markram's team studied India's win over West Indies for clues and are preparing to adapt to the conditions.

It’s The Semi-Final! 💥#TheProteas step into a massive showdown against New Zealand with a spot in the final on the line. 🇿🇦

Expect intensity, passion and pride in every moment as our title charge continues in the #T20WorldCup. 🏆

This is knockout cricket at its finest! Catch… pic.twitter.com/xqvbhM22AN

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 2, 2026

The pitch is laid on black soil with trimmed grass, likely to assist the older ball and aid reverse swing. Early bounce for pacers is expected, but the surface might slow down as the match progresses, favoring spinners from Day 2 or Day 3 onwards.

“I briefly walked ‌out to the wicket. It looks pretty good again. I think it's the darker soil. So we'll have to not just wing it but come up with ways out in the middle after having seen a couple of balls… and back those plans from there.”

South Africa's captain, Aiden Markram, attributes their perfect run in the T20 World Cup to smart cricket, praising the team's calm decision-making and the influence of wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock. Markram highlights de Kock's exceptional skills behind the stumps and his ability to score runs under pressure.

From Delhi to Kolkata. ✈️#TheProteas journey south-east to the City of Joy for their Semi-Final clash on Wednesday. 🏏🇿🇦#Unbreakable #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/yL4sH6rW1v

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 2, 2026

“I think it's more just around making really good decisions under pressure. We've got a lot of ‌good experience in the group.

“Quinny reads conditions really well from behind the stumps, and that makes a massive difference for us. We get that around the group, and the guys come up with plans from there. Ultimately, ⁠you need to execute ⁠them. We don't try ‌to complicate too much.”