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Kolkata, March 4, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): New Zealand stormed into the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 after thrashing South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final on Wednesday, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from Finn Allen.
Chasing a target of 170 at Eden Gardens, New Zealand sealed victory in just 12.5 overs, losing only one wicket. Allen smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, striking 10 fours and 8 sixes. His explosive knock marked the fastest century in T20 World Cup history.
Allen broke the previous record held by former West Indies great Chris Gayle, who had scored a 47-ball hundred against England in the 2016 T20 World Cup. This is New Zealand’s second appearance in a T20 World Cup final. The team had finished runners-up in 2021 after losing to Australia.
Earlier, after losing the toss, South Africa posted 169 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Marco Jansen played a fighting knock of 55 not out off 30 balls to help his side recover from early setbacks and put up a competitive total on a challenging pitch.
New Zealand’s off-spinner Cole McConchie made an immediate impact, claiming two wickets for nine runs in his only over, dismissing Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton (0) off successive deliveries. Left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra also bowled effectively, picking up two wickets for 29 runs in four overs, removing Aiden Markram (18) and David Miller (6).
At one stage, South Africa were struggling at 77 for five in the 11th over. Jansen and Tristan Stubbs (29 off 24 balls) then steadied the innings with a 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Dew became a factor later in the innings, making stroke play easier.
Jansen, regarded as one of the top all-rounders in world cricket, hit five sixes in his innings, several clearing the 15th row in the stands, underlining his power and timing. He completed his half-century in 27 balls, including two sixes off Lockie Ferguson in the 19th over.
Earlier, Dewald Brevis scored 34 off 27 balls but failed to convert his start into a big innings. He was dismissed by James Neesham.
However, the night belonged to Finn Allen, whose “century bomb” left South Africa stunned and ensured a dominant entry for New Zealand into the T20 World Cup 2026 final.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
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