Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has backed South Africa to beat New Zealand in the first semifinal of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The Kiwis had suffered a four-wicket loss against England in the Super 8 stage, and Clarke reckons that loss must have taken a toll on the team’s confidence.
Earlier in the group stage, the Proteas had also beaten the Blackcaps comprehensively by seven wickets. South Africa is the only unbeaten team in the ongoing T20I showpiece and will definitely enter the contest as red-hot favorites against Mitchell Santner’s team.
Michael Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, “I’m going to South Africa to make the final. South Africa to beat New Zealand. New Zealand losing that game [Super 8] to England. I think it’s just a dampener on their confidence. South Africa are flying at the moment, and I think that will be an absolute cracker of a final as well, India v South Africa.”
The 2015 World Cup-winning captain backed India to beat England in the second semifinal on Thursday.
“I’m going to say India to win. I think getting over the line against the West Indies will be defining for them. It’s going to be tough to see anyone beat India.”
On the other hand, Clarke said India should be wary of Harry Brook. Brook has been in fine form and had scored a majestic century against Pakistan in the Super 8 clash. The right-hander has scored 228 runs in seven matches of the ongoing T20I showpiece at an average of 32.57 and a strike rate of 161.70.
He added, “England wasn’t in my top four. They come in confident and playing their best cricket. Their captain is in terrific form. He’s just as destructive as any player.
“Two massive games. I got to say well done to England for qualifying. I think there was a lot of doubt about them leading into the tournament and then even in the round games – were they going to make the top of the Super 8, let alone the semifinals? So, I think they should be over the moon, but they got the tough challenge now of facing an in-form Indian team.”
India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.
