South Africa and New Zealand lock horns with each other in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final in Kolkata. Batting first, the Proteas didn’t really have a great start to the proceedings. New Zealand got early breakthrough after Quinton de Kock was sent back by Cole McConchie for 10 off 8. The side was left tottering at 77/5.
South Africa have had a good run in the tournament after they clinched win in all the matches in the Group Stage as well Super 8s. The Proteas have stamped their authority in this T20 World Cup 2026 and made a place into the semifinals after beating some big guns like India and West Indies. While South Africa put up a dominant show in the competition, Quinton de Kock’s form has been a concern.
Sorry South Africa 🇿🇦 fans.
I might have jinxed your entire campaign.
QDK gone. #NZvSA https://t.co/UWHaZTiBjz
— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken) March 4, 2026
Quinton de Kock’s Form
The wicket-keeper batter hasn’t been in the greatest of forms in the T20 World Cup 2026. South Africa began the campaign against Canada where Quinton de Kock could only manage 25. The Proteas eventually posted 213/4 in 20 overs and then restricted the opposition to 156/8 to win the match 57 runs.
De Kock then got among some runs after he notched up a fifty against Afghanistan. South Africa eventually won the match after two Super Overs.
Hell with Ryan, QDK and miller! I am an indian but i support SA passionately. When you remain unbeaten throughout the tournament, this is the performance you give in the semis? QDk, Ryan should be ashamed on how they got out and that goes for miller. Now Rob Walter will…..
— Sarfaraz Nawaz Hussain 🇮🇳🇵🇹🇿🇦🇵🇸 (@SarfarazNawazH1) March 4, 2026
A stinker at Eden gardens for QDK., not surprised at all.
We’ve seen plenty of those last year!
— ･ิ 𝙑𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙝 ･ิ ^･^🐾 (@VarshRaja) March 4, 2026
South Africa were then up against New Zealand and then needed to chase down 176. While South Africa went over the line by 7 wickets, De Kock could only manage to score 20 off 14. He was cleaned up by Lockie Ferguson. The left-hander’s outing against UAE was also a forgettable as he scored 14 while he was undone for 6 against India in the Super 8 fixture.
Kiwis : 5 Wickets down, we will dominate
Marco Jansen : pic.twitter.com/D5CSVFGJxs
— g0v!ñD $#@®mA (@rishu_1809) March 4, 2026
De Kock did get some runs against West Indies in the next match as he scored 47 off 24. South Africa chased down 177 by 9 wickets before getting dismissed for 0 against Zimbabwe.
Covering sports for fun. Cricket in whites remains the first love—the kind that teaches patience, rewards nuance, and tells stories over five days rather than five seconds.
