By Asif Naveed
SPORTS DESK (MNN); New Zealand’s Finn Allen produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup history as his team thrashed South Africa by nine wickets in Kolkata on Wednesday to book a place in the final.
Chasing 170 in the first semi-final, Allen blasted an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, shattering the previous record of 47 deliveries set by Chris Gayle. New Zealand cruised to victory with 7.1 overs remaining in a dominant run chase.
Allen sealed the win in style at Eden Gardens, striking successive boundaries to reach his century and finish the match with a triumphant roar. His explosive knock included eight sixes and 10 fours in a masterclass of controlled aggression.
Opening partner Tim Seifert played a vital supporting role, scoring 58 runs in a blistering 117-run stand within just 9.1 overs. Seifert struck seven fours and two sixes, ensuring South Africa were put on the back foot early in the chase.
“Obviously, we wanted to start positively and put them under pressure,” Allen said. “When Timmy is going like that, it makes it easier for me to settle and capitalise when the ball is in my zone.”
New Zealand, who squeezed into the semi-finals on net run rate and are chasing their maiden T20 World Cup title, will now face either India or England in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad.
Earlier, New Zealand’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory after captain Mitchell Santner elected to field. Spinners Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie claimed two wickets each to restrict South Africa to 169-8.
The 2024 runners-up, led by Aiden Markram, had entered the match unbeaten in seven games but slumped to 77-5. Marco Jansen rescued the innings with an unbeaten 55 off 30 balls, striking five sixes and two fours.
McConchie struck early, dismissing Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in consecutive deliveries, though Dewald Brevis survived the hat-trick ball. Ravindra later removed Markram and David Miller in quick succession, with Daryl Mitchell taking crucial catches in the deep.
Brevis scored 34 before falling to Jimmy Neesham, while Lockie Ferguson accounted for Tristan Stubbs. Pace bowler Matt Henry, who had just returned from New Zealand following the birth of his child, finished with 2-34.
Santner praised his side’s all-round effort. “We knew how strong South Africa are, and they’ve shown that throughout the tournament. To deliver a performance like this in a crunch game is very satisfying,” he said.
Markram admitted conditions were challenging. “They bowled really well early on. The ball wasn’t coming onto the bat consistently and scoring was tough,” he said.
