Key Takeaways
- Finn Allen blitz led New Zealand to a nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
- New Zealand bowled first, causing early South African struggles before a late recovery partnership raised their score to 169 for 8.
- Finn Allen achieved the fastest T20 World Cup century, scoring 100 runs in just 33 balls, dominating the powerplay overs.
- New Zealand chased down the target, scoring 173 for 1 in only 12.5 overs, advancing to the T20 World Cup final.
- This victory ended South Africa’s unbeaten streak in the tournament, setting up a final against either India or England.
The Finn Allen blitz powered New Zealand to a commanding victory over South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final on March 4, 2026. The match took place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India. New Zealand chased the target in only 12.5 overs. The nine-wicket win secured their place in the T20 World Cup final.
South Africa had entered the match with strong momentum. The team had won all seven previous games in the tournament. They had also defeated New Zealand earlier in the group stage.
South Africa Struggle Before Late Recovery
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. Their bowlers quickly created pressure on the South African batting lineup.
Off-spinner Cole McConchie removed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in the same over. South Africa lost early wickets and struggled to build partnerships. The score reached 77 for 5 in the 11th over.
A recovery partnership followed. Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs stabilized the innings during the middle overs.
Jansen played the leading role in the late surge. He scored 55 runs from around 30 deliveries. His innings included several boundaries and sixes. South Africa finished their innings at 169 for 8 after 20 overs.
Finn Allen Blitz Sets T20 World Cup Record
The Finn Allen blitz began immediately after New Zealand started their chase. Allen attacked the bowling from the first over.
He reached a century from only 33 balls. This became the fastest hundred recorded in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup. His innings included ten fours and eight sixes.
Allen dominated the powerplay overs and continued aggressive scoring throughout his stay at the crease.
New Zealand Reach T20 World Cup Final Easily
Tim Seifert supported Allen during the chase. The opening pair added a 117-run partnership. Seifert scored 58 runs from 33 balls.
New Zealand reached 173 for 1 in just 12.5 overs. The team completed the chase with 43 balls remaining.
The result ended South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament. New Zealand advanced to the T20 World Cup final. They will face the winner of the other semi-final between India and England.