Finn Allen smashed a record 33-ball century as New Zealand chased 170 in 12.5 overs to beat South Africa and reach the T20 World Cup 2026 final.
New Zealand has entered the T20 World Cup 2026 final after a strong win over South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Finn Allen produced a historic knock, scoring an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls. New Zealand chased down 170 in only 12.5 overs.
South Africa batted first and posted 169/8 in their 20 overs. The innings never gained full momentum as wickets fell regularly. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton departed inside the first two overs. Aiden Markram scored 18 from 20 balls before losing his wicket.
Dewald Brevis provided some resistance with 34 off 27 balls. Tristan Stubbs added 29 from 24 balls during the middle overs. Marco Jansen delivered a powerful finish with 55 from 30 balls. His late hitting pushed South Africa to 169.
Matt Henry and Cole McConchie took two wickets each for New Zealand. Rachin Ravindra also contributed with the ball.
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The chase quickly turned one-sided. Allen attacked from the start. Tim Seifert(58) supported him at the other end. Allen’s unbeaten 100 from 33 balls became the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. New Zealand completed the chase in just 12.5 overs with ease and secured a place in the final.
33 ball ton in a WC Semi, take a bow Finn Allen 🙌🏼 Doesn’t look good when you dominate group stage and completely fail to turn up in the big game. Credit to NZ though, total domination by them tonight. Well played @BLACKCAPS 👏 #SAvNZ #T20WorldCup2026
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 4, 2026
New Zealand always comes with a plan. Doesn’t get overwhelmed by it and gets the job done. Today they made a plan to bowl McConchie in the powerplay. He got two wickets and didn’t bowl after that. Plan it, execute it and move on. That’s the mantra of NZ. What a win vs South…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 4, 2026
Wow…NZ has just decimated the South African challenge.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 4, 2026
Finn Allen chose the perfect stage to play the best knock of his life 👌☺️💪#SAvNZ #T20WorldCup
Finn Allen what a time to score 💯 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 4, 2026
This is a hammering .. NZ have got the right end of the conditions but this really is a powerful display .. I keep saying it but they are pound for pound the best team in the World .. What they achieve for how much they have and how many they have to pick from is incredible ..…
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 4, 2026
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