Proteas take on New Zealand in crucial T20 World Cup semi-final

South Africa will be looking to extend its unbeaten streak in its campaign for a maiden T20 World Cup title in the first semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday. 

The two teams clash at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens at 3.30 pm.

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Cricket commentator Jeremy Fredericks explained that, unlike longer formats, T20 cricket is a high-pressure, high-reward format where teams can’t afford to have a bad day.

He says that South Africa has a well-rounded team with experienced players. 

In addition to being the only unbeaten team remaining, the Proteas have beaten New Zealand previously in a group game. 

“New Zealand has previously been our Achilles heel when it comes to semi-finals, [but] we beat them clinically when we played them in the previous round in the group stages,” he said.

Fredericks noted that the key to success will lie in the team’s ability to stay relaxed and focused, drawing on their past victories and the confidence they have built throughout the tournament.

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“It is a crucial game, and New Zealand will come all guns blazing... [But] with all the cricket that South Africa has played in India, they will have their bases covered.

“It is deservedly South Africa’s time; they have really got a tremendous side, and I think they will come out on top.” 

To listen to Fredericks in conversation with CapeTalk’s John Maytham, use the audio player below: