In a groundbreaking performance, Finn Allen recorded the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, propelling New Zealand to a nine-wicket victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This win secured New Zealand’s place in the final of the ongoing T20 World Cup. The South African team, which had maintained an unbeaten streak, now faces elimination.

The match saw Allen score an explosive 100 runs off just 33 balls, complemented by Tim Seifert’s solid contribution of 58 runs. The duo formed a formidable partnership, scoring 117 runs for the first wicket during the powerplay, effectively sealing the match early on. New Zealand is set to compete in the final against either India or England, who will determine their own fates in a clash scheduled for Thursday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

South Africa began their innings with a shaky start, losing quick wickets early on. Despite facing difficulties, they managed to post a competitive total of 169 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Key contributions from Marco Jansen, who scored 55 runs off 30 balls, along with Tristan Stubbs’ 29 runs, allowed South Africa to recover from a precarious position where they found themselves at 77 for five.

New Zealand’s bowlers worked effectively to stifle South Africa’s momentum. Cole McConchie, whose early breakthroughs included dismissing wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for 10 runs and Ryan Rickelton for a golden duck, set the tone for New Zealand’s bowling attack. At the end of the powerplay, South Africa had managed only 52 runs with struggles continuing throughout the innings.

Rachin Ravindra’s vital wicket

During the eighth over, Rachin Ravindra took a vital wicket, dismissing South African captain Aiden Markram, who scored 18 runs. The match continued with wickets falling regularly, including David Miller for just six runs, resulting in South Africa’s precarious position at 77 for five after 10 overs. Despite their troubles, Jansen and Stubbs formed a critical partnership that propelled South Africa past the 100-run mark.

As South Africa approached the latter stages of their innings, Jansen’s aggressive batting style began to pay off. He targeted New Zealand’s James Neesham in the 18th over, hitting a six and a four, thus alleviating some pressure. Jansen’s scorching unbeaten knock included five sixes and helped South Africa reach a respectable total of 169 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, New Zealand’s opening batsmen came out aggressively. Seifert, alongside Allen, set the tone right from the beginning, as they rapidly accumulated runs. Seifert’s performance included six fours and two sixes, allowing New Zealand to reach 50 runs in just 4.4 overs. In the final over of the powerplay, Allen’s explosive batting resulted in a staggering 22 runs, putting New Zealand in a dominant position at 84 without the loss of any wickets.

Finn Allen reached his second fifty in 19 balls

As the innings progressed, Allen reached his second fifty in just 19 balls. The pair continued their relentless assault until Jagdenga’s Kagiso Rabada dismissed Seifert in the 10th over. Nonetheless, New Zealand was firmly in control at 124 for one after 10 overs. The onslaught did not relent in the second half, with Allen’s remarkable performance culminating in a swift century, sealing the match and sending New Zealand into the final.

Final scores were recorded as South Africa 169 for 8 in 20 overs, with Jansen being the standout player, and New Zealand 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs, led by Allen’s historic century.

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