WATCH: Daryl Mitchell takes CONTROVERSIAL catch to dismiss Aiden Markram

Another major blow for South Africa. Well set batter and skipper Aiden Markram departed for the brilliant effort by Daryl Mitchell near the boundary line. The New Zealand fielder threw his body in front to take a clean catch and show Markram the path to the pavilion at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

New Zealand bowlers were all over the batting order of the South African batting order. After the early departures of Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, pressure was on the shoulders of Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis. The partnership between Markram and Brevis was very crucial to endure the early blows.

New Zealand star Daryl Mitchell's acrobatic effort dismissed South Africa captain Aiden Markram

Because of the challenging situations, both of the attacking batters were playing with extra caution. Aiden Markram's 18 off 20 shows how he tried to handle the tough situation. The moment when he was about to push the paddles, Rachin Ravindra struck, with the help of Daryl Mitchell. A brilliant catch to dismiss the batter.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

What an incredible effort from Daryl Mitchell to send Aiden Markram back! 👏

What do you think of this catch? 👀

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | Semi-final 1 #SAvNZ | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/LMBOn54jDE pic.twitter.com/joF4nS8qxu

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 4, 2026

Initially, the catch might have looked a bit controversial, as the palms landed right on the ground with the ball. But it was clean for the umpire to raise his finger to signal the dismissal of Aiden Markram. Daryl Mitchell's effort paid off as the South Africa cricket team restricted only 169 for 8 wickets in 20 overs.

Number 7 batter of the Proteas batting line-up, the pace bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen played a much-needed knock to help the team post a respectable total, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 30. Without Jansen's half-century, South Africa could be limited to a below-par total. Along with Jansen, Dewald Brevis added a valuable 34 runs in 27 balls as well.

New Zealand won the semifinal vs South Africa with ease

The New Zealand bowlers, under immense pressure, delivered accurately as per the plans they put out exclusively for this particular clash. For the Kiwis, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, and Rachin Ravindra claimed a brace each. Lockie Ferguson, and James Neesham bagged one scalp each as well.

The Blackcaps batters played equally well tonight as they chased down the target total with ease. New Zealand won the Semi-final vs South Africa by 9 wickets with 43 balls remaining. Opener Finn Allen remained unbeaten for 100 off 33.

New Zealand was thee underdogs

Ahead of the match, South Africa was considered the favorite to win it. Many predicted that the Proteas would play the Final of the T20 World Cup 2026 defeating New Zealand in the semifinals. The result proves that a cricket match is played on the ground, not limited only to paper equations.

Read More: WATCH: Tim Seifert suffers horrific blow on nose in semi-final 1 vs South Africa