Mitchell Santer backing New Zealand to rise to the occasion in T20 World Cup semifinal

The Proteas go into the last four clash unbeaten in the global tournament, including a comprehensive seven-wicket victory against the Black Caps in the group stages.

Santner acknowledged the quality of the South African line-up but knows the Kiwis will bring that belief and adaptability into the semifinal clash at Eden Gardens.

"I think it's whether you want to call it the underdogs or not," Santner said. "I think for us, it's everyone's goal throughout the tournament to get to the stage.

"We're here now and we back ourselves, you know, in one-off games against most teams, to be able to adapt as quickly as we can to what's in front of us. Whoever, you know, assesses conditions the best they can.

"We know South Africa are going to be a threat, as they've shown, and we're just going to go out there and try, you know, to put some pressure on them at different stages of the game. And, they're going to do the same to us."

The New Zealand skipper also provided an update on the availability of key seamer Matt Henry, who is on his way back to India after he returned home for the birth of his second child.

The paceman has picked up seven wickets in as many games in the competition, and his availability will boost New Zealand's bowling attack.

"Matt is currently in the air and is landing tonight so I guess we'll see how he pulls up," Santner said.

"It's obviously quite far away New Zealand from here but you know he'll obviously have a little run around in the morning to see if he's ready to go. So yeah now hopefully he's good to go."