T20 World Cup: Finn Allen’s 33-Ball 100 Powers New Zealand Past South Africa

The Men’s T20 World Cup produced a historic performance as Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 100 from only 33 deliveries, steering the New Zealand national cricket team to a commanding nine-wicket victory over the South Africa national cricket team at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Set a target of 170, Allen dismantled the opposition attack with remarkable ease, hammering ten boundaries and eight sixes. His hundred stands as the quickest in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup and the first ever recorded in a knockout fixture.

The innings also marked his third T20I century, reinforcing his stature as one of the format’s most dangerous openers.

Allen received excellent backing from Tim Seifert, who compiled a fluent 58 off 33 balls. Together, they forged a 117-run partnership for the first wicket, effectively extinguishing South Africa’s hopes of defending their total of 169/8.

The result also delivered New Zealand’s maiden T20 World Cup win over South Africa and provided momentum ahead of Sunday’s title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The Black Caps surged to 91 without loss in the powerplay — their highest six-over score in tournament history. Seifert reached his half-century from just 22 deliveries, while Allen needed only 19 balls to bring up his fifty.

Earlier, Marco Jansen’s unbeaten 55 had propelled South Africa to what appeared to be a competitive total. Allen’s relentless assault made the chase straightforward for New Zealand.

Kagiso Rabada eventually dismissed Tim Seifert, but Allen and Rachin Ravindra kept up the attacking momentum.

Allen completed his century in style with a towering six and fittingly struck the winning runs to seal victory inside 13 overs.

New Zealand march into their second Men’s T20 World Cup final, while South Africa are left to reflect on another disappointing ICC knockout exit.

Brief Scores:

South Africa 169/8 (Marco Jansen 55*; Cole McConchie 2-9) lost to New Zealand 173/1 (Finn Allen 100*, Tim Seifert 58) by nine wickets.

Also Read: T20 World Cup Semi-Final: New Zealand Win Toss, Bowl Against South Africa