We’re backing ourselves to win the big moments. That’s the mindset behind New Zealand’s plan to seek revenge on South Africa.
In Colombo on Saturday, the Kiwis spread out in small groups around the city. One group shared snacks and conversation in a beachside bar overlooking the Laccadive Sea, sneaking glances at the big screen between attempts to talk normally. Another group gathered in the team hotel, inside captain Mitchell Santner’s room, all eyes on the Pakistan–Sri Lanka game as it unfolded and the hope that a Pakistan win would edge the Black Caps into the World Cup knockout stages.
Pakistan did win, but not by the margin needed. On Tuesday the Pakistan Cricket Board fined each player about £13,500, explaining that for good performances there are penalties for poor ones as well.
Now it’s New Zealand’s turn to control their fate. Santner described the night as tense and tough to watch, recalling how he had to step away from his room-mates at times. “You just want to get through to the next stage,” he said. “Now it’s the semi-finals—one game stands between us and moving on.”
Their upcoming challenge is a high-stakes one they expect to influence more directly: a knock against South Africa, the only side yet to lose in the tournament, in Kolkata on Wednesday. South Africa’s six wins include a commanding win over their eventual semi-final opponents in the group stage. Still, they’re not treating that result as a guaranteed path to victory this time.
“I wish cricket were that simple,” joked South Africa captain Aiden Markram, the tournament’s leading run-scorer still in contention. “Both teams have played a lot since then, so it’s a fresh start. It’s not as straightforward as repeating that performance. Whether we’re the favourites or not is someone else’s call.”
Quick Guide
New Zealand v South Africa possible teams
- New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
- South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Santner emphasized that the teams start as equals. “Whether you call us underdogs or not, the objective for everyone has been clear: get to this stage. We’re here now, and we back ourselves in one-off games against most teams,” he said. “South Africa look strong, but now it’s one game and you’re into a final.”
Neither team has played at Eden Gardens in this World Cup. A day after following the action in Pallekele, New Zealand watched India versus West Indies for potential clues on how this match might unfold.
“We got intel from that game,” Santner noted. “The pitch looked good, with some dew in the second innings. Whatever you do first, if you execute well, you put yourself in a strong position.”
Markram added: “We kept a close eye on that game to gauge conditions. The pitch looks pretty good. We’ll avoid guessing and instead craft plans in the middle after assessing a few overs.”
Both teams are expected to have full squads, though New Zealand must consider Matt Henry’s fitness after his rapid trip back to India for the birth of his second child. If needed, Jacob Duffy could come in if Henry isn’t fully rested.
“We’ll see how he pulls up,” Santner said. “It’s a long journey from here to India. He’ll get a morning run, and we’ll hope he’s ready to go.”
