SA vs NZ: Marco Jansen graces Eden Gardens with heroic fifty for Proteas in T20 WC semifinal

# Sports Desk
South Africa's Marco Jansen celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. | Photo: AFP
South Africa's Marco Jansen celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. | Photo: AFP

Kolkata: Marco Jansen struck a stunning 55 not out in a rearguard action to help South Africa reach 169 for 8 against New Zealand in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup here on Wednesday.

Jansen struck two fours and five sixes in his 30-ball unbeaten knock to resurrect South Africa innings after they were reduced to 77 from 5 in the 11th over.

Dewald Brevis chipped in 34 while Tristan Stubbs contributed 29.

Rachin Ravindra, Cole McConchie and Matt Henry took two wickets apiece for New Zealand.

Brief scores:

South Africa: 169 for 8 in 20 overs (Marco Jansen 55 not out, Dewald Brevis 34; Rachin Ravindra 2/29, Cole McConchie 2/9, Matt Henry 2/34). (PTI)