New Zealand Reaches T20 World Cup Final After Record-Breaking Century
Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India – New Zealand secured a place in the Twenty20 World Cup final on Wednesday, defeating South Africa by nine wickets in a dominant display at Eden Gardens. The victory was propelled by a blistering century from Finn Allen, the fastest ever scored in a T20 World Cup match.
Allen’s unbeaten 100 came off just 33 balls, overshadowing a late recovery by South Africa that saw them post a total of 169-8. The opening batsman shared a 117-run partnership with Tim Seifert, who contributed 58 runs, as New Zealand raced to their target in 12.5 overs.
“We wanted to start well and put them on the back foot early,” Allen said after the match. “It is easy for me when Tim [Seifert] is going like that. The way he batted got us off to an absolute flyer.”
Earlier in the day, South Africa struggled to build momentum, falling to 77-5 before a resilient innings led by Marco Jansen. Jansen finished with 55 not out, hitting two fours and five sixes, and alongside Tristan Stubbs (29), helped to set New Zealand a competitive target.
New Zealand’s bowlers had earlier put South Africa under pressure, with Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie each taking two wickets. Despite a few dropped catches, the Kiwi attack maintained control throughout the innings.
Matt Henry, who recently rejoined the team after attending the birth of his child, contributed with 2-34.
South Africa had entered the tournament as the only unbeaten team, but were ultimately outplayed by a determined New Zealand side. New Zealand had qualified for the semi-final on net run rate.
The final will see New Zealand face the winner of the second semi-final between defending champions India and two-time champions England, which takes place on Thursday in Mumbai. The T20 World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday.
“You take the positives from this game, celebrate little moments of success,” Allen added. “Then we have a final to play on Sunday, and we look forward to that.”
