Kolkata, India – New Zealand powered their way into the Twenty20 World Cup final with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semifinal at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The win was highlighted by a record-breaking century from Finn Allen and a clinical batting display that left South Africa reeling.
Put into bat, South Africa struggled early, collapsing to 77-5. However, a determined 55 not out from Marco Jansen, who smashed two fours and five sixes, alongside a 73-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs (29), helped the Proteas reach a competitive 169-8. Earlier, the team had lost key wickets cheaply, with Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton falling in quick succession, while Dewald Brevis managed 34 before being dismissed by Jimmy Neesham.
New Zealand’s reply was sensational. Opening batsman Finn Allen blasted an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, breaking the record for the fastest T20 World Cup century. He shared a blistering 117-run opening stand with Tim Seifert (58), taking the game away from South Africa in only 12.5 overs. Allen reflected on the partnership, saying, “It is easy for me when Tim is going like that. The way he batted got us off to an absolute flyer.”
Spin bowlers Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie initially struck, reducing South Africa to 42-2, but Jansen and Stubbs’ counter-attack briefly steadied the innings. Pace bowler Matt Henry, returning from the birth of his child, took 2-34, helping the Kiwis maintain control.
South Africa, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, were left stunned as their semifinal hopes were dashed. Their bowling attack struggled to contain the Kiwi openers, with Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell taking key catches to support the clinical chase.
Looking ahead, New Zealand will face the winner of Thursday’s second semifinal in Mumbai between defending champions India and two-time champions England. Allen said the team would celebrate the victory briefly before focusing on the final: “You take the positives from this game, celebrate little moments of success. Then we have a final to play on Sunday, and we look forward to that.”
This win signals New Zealand’s intent to challenge for the title, having squeezed into the semifinals on net run rate earlier in the tournament, and their dominance over an unbeaten South African side will give them a psychological edge heading into the summit clash.