Cricket

Finn Allen's record century sends New Zealand to final

Finn Allen's record century sends New Zealand to final

Finn Allen smashed a 33-ball century, the fastest in T20 World Cup history, to lead New Zealand into the final with a dominant nine-wicket win over South Africa at Eden Gardens.

South Africa, one of the strongest teams in the tournament, once again faltered in a knockout match. New Zealand, who had narrowly qualified for the semifinals, produced a clinical performance to secure a place in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bowl. The decision paid off immediately when Cole McConchie dismissed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in the same over, leaving South Africa struggling at 12/2.

South Africa tried to recover through Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis, but regular wickets slowed their progress. Marco Jansen (55*) and Tristan Stubbs later added some quick runs, helping South Africa reach 169/8 in 20 overs.

Chasing 170, New Zealand started aggressively. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert dominated the Powerplay, scoring 84 runs and putting South Africa under huge pressure.

Seifert scored 58, while Allen continued his explosive batting. He hit 10 fours and 8 sixes to reach 100 off just 33 balls*, breaking Chris Gayle’s previous T20 World Cup record.

New Zealand chased the target in 12.5 overs, sealing a huge win and booking their place in the final.

Brief scores:

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