Finn Allen powered New Zealand to the T20 World Cup final with a masterclass in power-hitting at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday, tonking bowlers all over the park. He scored the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, obliterating Chris Gayle’s previous mark of 47 deliveries. Every shot was authoritative, every boundary a statement, as Allen tore through South Africa’s attack and propelled New Zealand to a dominant nine-wicket win with 43 balls to spare.
New Zealand head into the final with confidence, momentum, and belief. With Allen in scintillating form, they will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.Chasing 170, the Kiwis made light work of the target. Tim Seifert provided the perfect foil for Allen, scoring 58 off 33 balls. The pair shared a whirlwind 117-run opening stand, effectively breaking the back of the chase and putting South Africa on the back foot immediately. Rachin Ravindra chipped in with 13 not out, guiding New Zealand home with ease and leaving the Proteas stunned by the clinical display.South Africa had started their innings promisingly but soon fell into trouble. Cole McConchie struck twice in his first over, removing Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, reducing the Proteas to 12/2. Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis tried to stabilize the innings with a 43-run partnership, but Markram fell for 18 to Rachin Ravindra, who had earlier dropped him. James Neesham accounted for Brevis (34 off 27 balls), while Marco Jansen’s 55 off 30 balls offered late resistance. Tristan Stubbs contributed 29, but regular wickets left South Africa all out for 169 in 20 overs. Extras, including 12 wides, compounded their struggles.New Zealand’s bowlers had applied early pressure and kept things under control. Matt Henry and Ravindra picked up two wickets each, while Lockie Ferguson and Cole McConchie delivered early breakthroughs. Despite resistance from Jansen and Stubbs, the Kiwis maintained control and set the stage for the record-breaking chase.During the chase, Allen’s power-hitting dominated the proceedings. His innings featured 10 fours and 8 sixes, and his strike rate of 303.03 highlighted the utter dominance over South Africa’s bowling. Seifert’s measured 58 ensured stability at the other end, while Ravindra finished unbeaten on 13. The Kiwis reached 173-1 in just 12.5 overs, breaking the T20 World Cup hoodoo against South Africa and booking their second final appearance in the format.For South Africa, the loss was a disappointing end to a promising tournament. Despite being unbeaten before the semi-final, their chase for a maiden senior men’s World Cup title continued. Early wickets, ineffective bowling, and an inability to handle Allen’s power-hitting contributed to their exit.
