By Levy Masiteng
New Zealand stormed into the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday after opener Finn Allen smashed the fastest century in the tournament’s history to power a nine-wicket demolition of South Africa at Eden Gardens.
Chasing 170 for victory, New Zealand surged to 173 for one in 12.5 overs, winning with 43 balls to spare after South Africa posted 169 for eight.
Allen produced a brutal unbeaten 100 from 33 balls, striking 10 fours and eight sixes in a display that left South Africa’s previously unbeaten campaign in ruins.
New Zealand’s openers seized control immediately. Allen and Tim Seifert rocketed to 84 without loss inside the first six overs, effectively ending the contest before South Africa’s bowlers could settle.
Seifert played the supporting role to perfection, blasting 58 from 33 balls as the pair added 117 for the first wicket.
South Africa, who arrived at the semi-final unbeaten, never recovered from an early batting collapse after being sent in.
They slipped to 12 for two when off-spinner Cole McConchie struck with successive deliveries in the second over, removing Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton to dent the Proteas’ top order.
The pressure continued as New Zealand’s attack kept South Africa from building partnerships, and the innings unravelled to 77 for five before a late counter-punch lifted them to a competitive-looking total.
Marco Jansen top-scored with 55 not out off 30 balls, giving South Africa a chance on paper that quickly vanished once Allen began his assault.
New Zealand captain Mitch Santner said the plan was to attack early and keep South Africa on the back foot, while South Africa captain Aiden Markram conceded his side had been outplayed in both disciplines on a night when the margins were brutal.
The result sends New Zealand into their second T20 World Cup final, having previously finished runners-up in 2021, and keeps alive their bid for a first men’s T20 world title.
The Black Caps will meet the winner of Thursday’s second semi-final between India and England at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The final is scheduled for Sunday, 8 March, in Ahmedabad.
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