In a spectacular display of power hitting at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, New Zealand’s Finn Allen rewrote the record books on Wednesday, smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup history to demolish South Africa by nine wickets and secure a place in the tournament final.
The explosive opener reached his unbeaten 100 from just 33 deliveries, obliterating Chris Gayle’s previous record of 47 balls, as New Zealand chased down South Africa’s total of 169-8 with a staggering 7.1 overs remaining. Allen’s breathtaking innings featured 10 fours and 8 sixes in a demonstration of controlled aggression that left the Proteas bowling attack in disarray.
Allen found perfect synergy with opening partner Tim Seifert, who contributed 58 runs in their devastating 117-run partnership that spanned just 9.1 overs. The collaboration effectively decided the contest within the first half of the chase, with Seifert providing stability while Allen unleashed his destructive capabilities.
Reflecting on his record-breaking performance, Allen acknowledged his partner’s role: “It’s easy for me when Timmy’s going like that. I can just watch and then hit it when it’s in my area and try to give him the strike.”
Earlier, New Zealand’s spin duo of Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie had applied significant pressure, each claiming two wickets to restrict South Africa to 169-8 after captain Mitchell Santner elected to field first. The previously unbeaten South Africans collapsed to 77-5 before Marco Jansen’s unbeaten 55 provided some respectability to their total.
New Zealand, who had qualified for the semi-finals on net run rate, now advance to Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad where they will face either India or England as they pursue their first T20 World Cup title.