Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has urged South Africa to bring their A-game against New Zealand in the first semifinal of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Earlier in the group stage, the Proteas had also beaten the Blackcaps comprehensively by seven wickets. South Africa is the only unbeaten team in the ongoing T20I showpiece and will definitely enter the contest as red-hot favorites against Mitchell Santner’s team.

The Kiwis had suffered a four-wicket loss against England in the Super 8 stage, and that loss must have taken a toll on the team’s confidence. However, New Zealand is always known to punch above their weight.

“You can never drop your guard against New Zealand, thinking you’ve got your nose in front and tend to relax. Because then suddenly there’ll be a period where two or three wickets go and they’ll be back in the thick of things,” Shastri said on ICC review.

The former Indian all-rounder said the Kiwis are always brilliant in their preparation and they will come out with intensity.

“I think their preparation is incredibly detailed. Where they study each player, which bowlers should bowl, when to a particular batsman,” he said.

“Their matchups are fantastic. And you see on the field, they don’t give an inch. They’re hanging in there,” Shastri added.

South Africa have historically held the upper hand over New Zealand in T20Is, winning 12 of their 19 matches. The Proteas have ticked all the right boxes and would want to go all the way in the tournament.

South Africa and New Zealand will take on each other in the first semifinal at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday.