New Zealand arrived in Kolkata with relief more than fanfare. Only Pakistan’s stumble against Sri Lanka opened the back door into this T20 World Cup semi-final and captain Mitchell Santner admits watching that play-off was unpleasant viewing.
“I guess watching the Pakistan-Sri Lanka game was a pretty tough watch, pretty nervy at times,” he said. “I had a few other boys in my room and I had to leave because it was pretty tough.”
Now the focus shifts to Thursday night and the tournament’s only unbeaten side, South Africa. The Proteas brushed New Zealand aside in the group stage, racing to an unassailable position inside the first 13 overs, and the head-to-head ledger in T20Is reads seven wins from 19 to the men in green. Santner does not sugar-coat the threat. “South Africa have a lot of power,” he acknowledged. “I think the powerplay for us with the ball was where they really got away to a flyer. We haven’t probably played the perfect game throughout this tournament. And I guess that’s a good thing for us. If we can put it all together, it’ll put us in a pretty good position.”
Knock-out cricket, though, can be a different beast. New Zealand have won all three ICC knock-outs against South Africa – granted, they were over 50 overs rather than 20 – and Santner believes that experience translates. “I think for us, it’s… everyone’s goal throughout the tournament is to get to this stage,” he said. “We’re here now and we back ourselves on one-off games against most teams… being able to adapt as quick as we can to what’s in front of us. South Africa look like a very good outfit, as they’ve shown. And I guess they’re in the same boat as us now. It’s one game in here until the final.”
The Black Caps’ attack must confront the fastest-scoring batting unit at this World Cup. Early wickets would help, yet Santner is realistic: the plan may centre on moderation rather than miracles. “We know if you can get into that top order, but their middle order packs a lot of power as well,” he said. “So it might not be trying to bowl them [out]. It might be trying to get in-and-out of overs and then… trying to… it might be that 180 is a good score instead of 220.”
That figure of 180 is framed by conditions at Eden Gardens, traditionally a high-scoring venue but one that can change mood quickly. The skipper had a quick look two nights ago. “We were looking at the wicket the other night [in the India-West Indies game] and it was pretty flat,” he reported. “I think there’s still a role to play for the spinners. Also [the] seamers. And I think the ground dimensions as well plays a massive part in conditions.” The square boundaries here are shorter than those encountered in Sri Lanka, something Santner and his bowlers are already factoring in. “I mean, [in] Sri Lanka, we had a big side for both those games. We [the bowlers] can try and get it to that [bigger] side, whereas it’s [the boundaries] a little bit smaller here [at Eden Gardens], but [the pitch is] more central. So, again, it’s adapting on the fly.”
Selection-wise New Zealand are unlikely to change much. Glenn Phillips’ part-time off-spin has provided useful control, while Tim Southee’s ability to swing the new ball may be prized against left- and right-handed openers. Trent Boult remains the wildcard: brilliant some nights, targeted on others, yet always capable of the early breakthrough that can tilt a T20. Kane Williamson’s form – 121 runs at 24 – has been steady rather than explosive, but the captaincy reins have rested comfortably in Santner’s hands and allow Williamson to focus on anchoring.
Off-field matters continue to intrude. With the west Asia crisis delaying flights for several teams, the global picture is unsettling, something Santner does not gloss over. “I guess it is a challenge,” he reflected. “I mean, everyone’s not too far away from the news, whether it’s on your phone or TV and you’re kind of seeing what’s going on. So I think, at the end of the day, I think we’re pretty safe here. And we have a massive game tomorrow.” Perspective helps, yet purpose is clear. “So what we can do today is prepare for this game tomorrow and then go out there and try to put on a bit of a show for people to come out and watch the game.”
South Africa have been the most complete side in the competition, fielding sharply and clearing ropes with a frequency others have not matched. Quinton de Kock’s bruising starts, Aiden Markram’s tempo shifts and Heinrich Klaasen’s finishing have left bowlers scrambling. But a semi-final is a clean slate, and New Zealand have a habit of springing surprises when things narrow to one chance, one night, one trophy shot. For Santner, that is reason enough to believe.
