South Africa are heading into the first semi-final against New Zealand at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, as the firm favourites on Wednesday, March 4. However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has warned Aiden Markram's men against complacency as New Zealand are very much capable of capitalising on lapses.

The Proteas are on a seven-match winning streak in the 2026 T20 World Cup. On the other hand, the Kiwis have lost just one game in the competition, while one was abandoned due to rain. Mitchell Santner and Co. have four wins so far.

“You can never drop your guard against New Zealand, thinking you've got your nose in front and tend to relax.

Because then suddenly there'll be a period where two or three wickets go and they'll be back in the thick of things,” Shastri said on ICC review.

Shastri, who knows a thing or two about planning and preparation, heaped praise on New Zealand for being a meticulous side known for fighting till the very end, not letting the intensity drop at any point in a game.

“I think their preparation is incredibly detailed. Where they study each player, which bowlers should bowl, when to a particular batsman,” he said.

“Their matchups are fantastic. And you see on the field, they don't give an inch. They're hanging in there,” Shastri added.

When the two teams met earlier in the tournament, the Proteas won by seven wickets as they chased down a 176-run target at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with 17 balls to spare. Marco Jansen was the Player of the Match as he bagged a four-for. Markram also led from the front, as the South African skipper amassed an unbeaten 86 off 44 balls to take his team home.

South Africa hold the edge against New Zealand in head-to-head meetings in T20I cricket.