Agency, March 3: A blistering, record-breaking century from Finn Allen powered New Zealand into the ICC T20 World Cup final with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
Chasing a competitive target of 170, New Zealand stormed to 173/1 in just 12.5 overs, sealing the win in emphatic fashion.
Allen was the star of the night, smashing a sensational 100 off just 33 balls, including 10 fours and 8 sixes. With this knock, he set a new record for the fastest century in ICC T20 World Cup history, dismantling the South African bowling attack with fearless stroke play.
He was well supported by Tim Seifert, who struck a fluent 58 off 33 deliveries, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes. Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 13 as New Zealand completed the chase with ease. Kagiso Rabada picked up the lone wicket for South Africa.
Earlier at Eden Gardens, South Africa, after being put in to bat, posted 169 in their allotted 20 overs. Marco Jansen led the charge with a quickfire 55 off 30 balls, smashing five sixes and two boundaries. Dewald Brevis contributed 34, Tristan Stubbs added 29, skipper Aiden Markram made 18, while Quinton de Kock scored 10.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, and Rachin Ravindra claimed two wickets each, while Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham chipped in with one apiece.
New Zealand will now face the winner of the second semi-final between India and England in the grand finale.
