New Zealand national cricket team will South Africa national cricket team meet in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. But what happens if rain interrupts the knockout clash?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has kept a reserve day in place to avoid a washout deciding the contest. According to tournament playing conditions, both teams must bat for at least five overs each to constitute a match. If rain interrupts play, the umpires will look to reduce the number of overs. A minimum of five overs per side is required for a result.
If that is not possible on the scheduled day, the match will move to the reserve day on March 5. The ICC has kept an earlier start time of 3 p.m. IST for the reserve day instead of the usual evening slot. The match will resume from the exact point where it was stopped to ensure fairness.
However, if rain washes out play on both days and no result is possible, the team that finished higher in the Super 8 stage will advance to the final.
South Africa topped Super 8 Group 1 with six points, maintaining an unbeaten run through the tournament so far. New Zealand qualified from Group 2 with three points.
In that scenario, South Africa will progress to the final.
The weather forecast for Kolkata, however, suggests clear skies. The temperature is expected to touch 33 degrees Celsius with around 29 per cent humidity, and no rain is predicted for match day.
