KEY POINTS
- Finn Allen smashes unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls with 10 sixes, the fastest century in T20 World Cup knockout history.
- Allen and Seifert put on 117-run partnership in 9.1 overs, chasing down 170 with ridiculous ease.
- Marco Jansen’s unbeaten 55 rescues South Africa to 169, but bowling attack taken apart by Kiwi openers.
KOLKATA: In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Finn Allen smashed a sensational century to lead New Zealand to a stunning nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 170, the Blackcaps reached home in just 12.5 overs, decimating the Proteas’ bowling attack to book their place in the final.
The win was a comprehensive statement from New Zealand, who had lost to South Africa earlier in the tournament. This time, they left no room for doubt, with Allen producing one of the most destructive knocks in World Cup knockout history.
𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 🇳🇿
New Zealand are through to the #T20WorldCup 2026 Final 🤩 pic.twitter.com/mu40jg4k3C
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2026
Allen-Seifert carnage leaves Proteas stunned
Chasing 170, New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert came out with an aggressive intent that caught the South African bowlers completely off guard. The duo put on a record-breaking 117-run partnership for the first wicket in just 9.1 overs, effectively killing the contest inside the powerplay.
Tim Seifert was the initial aggressor, smashing a rapid 58 off just 33 balls, laced with seven fours and two sixes. However, it was Finn Allen at the other end who turned the semi-final into a one-man show. The right-hander was in imperious form, taking a particular liking to the South African pace attack.
A record-breaking knock from Finn Allen took New Zealand into the #T20WorldCup final🙌
He wins the @aramco POTM🏅
📝: https://t.co/nv2bu4uGh7 pic.twitter.com/SnTAU9mWX4
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2026
Allen brought up his century in astonishing fashion, reaching the three-figure mark off just 33 balls. His innings was a nightmare for the Proteas bowlers, featuring 10 towering sixes and 8 boundaries. He remained unbeaten on 100, having done the damage in a hurry. The only wicket to fall was that of Seifert, caught behind off Kagiso Rabada, but by then, the damage was already done.
Rachin Ravindra provided the finishing touches with a calm 13 not out, guiding New Zealand to 173 for 1 with 43 balls to spare.
Jansen’s heroics in vain for South Africa
Earlier in the day, South Africa posted a competitive total of 169 for 8, thanks largely to a brilliant late counter-attack from Marco Jansen. After being put in to bat by Mitchell Santner, the Proteas found themselves in deep trouble at 77 for 5. The top order crumbled against the disciplined New Zealand bowling, with Cole McConchie and Rachin Ravindra picking up two wickets each.
However, Jansen (55 not out off 30 balls) launched a stunning rescue mission alongside Tristan Stubbs (29). Their 73-run partnership revived the innings, and Jansen’s explosive hitting in the death overs, which included five sixes, propelled South Africa past the 160-mark. Despite losing wickets in the final over, the total looked defendable at the break.
Finn Allen’s blazing ton in the chase gets New Zealand into their second Men’s #T20WorldCup final 🔥
📝: https://t.co/nv2bu4uGh7 pic.twitter.com/j4DcTSum3y
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2026
New Zealand book final berth
In the end, 169 proved woefully inadequate against the New Zealand onslaught. The clinical chase, completed with more than seven overs to spare, sends a strong message to the team awaiting them in the final.
For South Africa, it is yet another semi-final heartbreak in World Cups, despite their unbeaten run leading into the knockout stage. For New Zealand, they march on, powered by what will surely go down as one of the greatest T20 World Cup knocks under pressure.
