Finn Allen’s 33-Ball Century Powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup Final

Kolkata: Finn Allen produced one of the most explosive innings in T20 World Cup history as New Zealand stormed into the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding nine-wicket win over South Africa at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

In a high-stakes semi-final, the Black Caps snapped the Proteas’ unbeaten run in emphatic fashion. After restricting South Africa to 169/8, New Zealand chased down the target in just 12.5 overs, finishing at 173/1 in a breathtaking display of power-hitting.

The night belonged to Allen, who smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls — the fastest century in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His extraordinary knock eclipsed the previous tournament record held by Chris Gayle, who had struck a 47-ball hundred against England in 2016. Allen reached his first fifty in 19 balls and then accelerated further, bringing up his second half-century in a staggering 14 deliveries.

Electing to field first, New Zealand executed their plans to perfection. Off-spinner Cole McConchie was introduced as early as the second over, and the move paid immediate dividends. He dismissed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton off successive deliveries, reducing South Africa to 12/2.

Captain Aiden Markram attempted to stabilise the innings and added 43 runs with Dewald Brevis. However, Markram fell to a brilliant diving catch by Daryl Mitchell off Rachin Ravindra. Brevis contributed a brisk 34 but was unable to capitalise, chipping James Neesham to cover as the Proteas slipped to 77/5.

Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen then mounted a counter-attack, stitching together a 73-run partnership from just 48 balls. The pair took 22 runs off Neesham in the 18th over to inject late momentum. Jansen, using his reach and clean striking, hammered five sixes and two fours to remain unbeaten on 55 off 30 balls, bringing up his half-century with consecutive sixes off Lockie Ferguson.

McConchie (2/9) and Ravindra (2/29) were instrumental in pegging South Africa back early, while Matt Henry picked up two wickets. Ferguson and Neesham chipped in with one apiece as New Zealand’s disciplined bowling effort kept the scoring in check for most of the innings.

Chasing 170, New Zealand came out all guns blazing. Tim Seifert and Allen tore into the South African attack, racing to 84/0 in the powerplay — the second-highest powerplay score of the tournament, just behind India’s 86/1 against Namibia. The duo struck nine fours and five sixes in the first six overs alone.

Allen particularly targeted Corbin Bosch, plundering 22 runs in the sixth over with a sequence of boundaries and a towering six. Even after the fielding restrictions were lifted, the assault continued unabated.

Kagiso Rabada eventually broke through, dismissing Seifert for a well-made 58 off 33 balls, an innings studded with seven fours and two sixes. But by then, the damage had been done.

Allen remained unstoppable, dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground with authority. He finished with eight sixes and 10 fours, guiding New Zealand past the target with three fours and two sixes off the final five balls to seal a comprehensive victory.

With this win, New Zealand advance to their second T20 World Cup final, having previously reached the summit clash in 2021. Riding on Allen’s historic century and a clinical all-round performance, the Black Caps now stand just one step away from lifting the coveted trophy.

Also Read: SA Lock Horns with NZ in T20 World Cup Semi