Finn Allen’s record-breaking century powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup final
New Zealand stormed into the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after crushing South Africa by nine wickets in a one-sided first semi-final at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 170, the Black Caps completed the task in just 12.5 overs, losing only one wicket in a breathtaking display of power-hitting and dominance.
Opening batter Finn Allen was the undisputed star of the night, hammering an explosive unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls.
Finn Allen scores the fastest hundred in Men's #T20WorldCup history to power New Zealand into the final
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2026
It is one of the @marriottbonvoy Milestones of the #T20WorldCup 2026
: https://t.co/nv2bu4uGh7 pic.twitter.com/PSuPYu3rfx
His sensational knock not only dismantled the South African bowling attack but also marked the fastest century in the history of the T20 World Cup.
???? HISTORY WRITTEN AT THE EDEN GARDENS. ????
— SHAKTIMAN (@SHKTIMANBRAXTON) March 4, 2026
FIN FABULOUS ALLEN
The fastest hundred at a T20 World Cup, and what a time Finn Allen has found to get it! New Zealand smoked South Africa off like a speck of dust. #T20WorldCup #SAvsNZ pic.twitter.com/C3mBOrVpEj
Tim Seifert provided strong support with a brisk 58, while Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 13 as New Zealand wrapped up the chase in emphatic fashion.
South Africa’s only breakthrough came through Kagiso Rabada, but it proved little consolation as the Kiwis sealed a commanding victory to book their place in the tournament final.
Earlier, South Africa set a 170-run target for New Zealand after posting 169 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to field first, inviting South Africa to bat in the high-pressure knockout encounter.
Batting first, the Proteas managed to compile 169 runs despite losing eight wickets, with New Zealand’s bowlers striking at regular intervals to keep the scoring in check.
However, South Africa’s middle-order resistance ensured they reached a competitive total on a surface expected to assist both batters and bowlers.
Jansen smashed an impressive 55 not out to anchor the innings and guide the Proteas to 169 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Dewald Brevis contributed 34 runs, while Tristan Stubbs added 29 to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Captain Aiden Markram managed 18, Quinton de Kock scored 10, and David Miller was dismissed for 6. Corbin Bosch added 2 runs, whereas Ryan Rickelton and Kagiso Rabada were both dismissed without scoring.
New Zealand’s bowling attack delivered disciplined spells to prevent South Africa from running away with the game.
Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry and Cole McConchie claimed two wickets each, striking at crucial intervals.
Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham chipped in with one wicket apiece to maintain pressure throughout the innings.
New Zealand now require 170 runs to secure a place in the final, setting up a gripping chase in front of a packed crowd in Kolkata.
The match, being played in front of a packed crowd in Kolkata, marks a pivotal moment in the tournament as both sides vie for a place in the final.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final will see India take on England in Mumbai on Thursday.
Playing XIs
New Zealand: 1 Tim Seifert (wk), 2 Finn Allen, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Glenn Phillips, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Mark Chapman, 7 Mitchell Santner (capt), 8 James Neesham, 9 Cole McConchie, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Lockie Ferguson
South Africa: 1 Aiden Markram (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Ryan Rickelton, 4 Dewald Brevis, 5 David Miller, 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Corbin Bosch, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Keshav Maharaj, 11 Lungi Ngidi