Allen hits record ton as Kiwis thrash Proteas, enter finals: T20 World Cup Semi (Kolkata)

Opener Finn Allen struck the fastest century in T20 World Cup history as New Zealand demolished 2024 runners-up South Africa by nine wickets to secure a spot in the finals.

South Africa posted 169/8 in 20 overs after being sent in, with Marco Jansen top-scoring with 55 off 30 balls and Dewald Brevis adding 34 to steady the innings. Early wickets put pressure on the middle order, and despite late acceleration, the total felt slightly under par on a good batting surface.

In reply, New Zealand produced a stunning chase, racing to 173/1 in 12.5 overs to win by nine wickets. Finn Allen blasted an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, while Tim Seifert supported with 58 off 33. The emphatic victory sent New Zealand into the final in dominant fashion.

New Zealand 173 for 1 (Allen 100*, Seifert 58, Ravindra 13*, Rabada 1-28) beat South Africa 169 for 8 (Jansen 55*, Brevis 34, McConchie 2-9, Ravindra 2-29) by nine wickets.

Mar 2026.