T20 WC: Allen's 33-ball century helps NZ storm into final

New Zealand stormed into the T20 World Cup final with a crushing nine-wicket win over South Africa in Kolkata, powered by a record-shattering innings from Finn Allen. Allen’s 33-ball century helped the Blackcaps chase 170 down in only 12.5 overs — a whopping 43 balls to spare. Chasing 170 after a 27-ball half-century from Marco Jansen had rescued South Africa from 77-5, Allen bludgeoned 100 not out from 33 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes, as a ruthless New Zealand romped to victory with 43 balls to spare. Allen bettered Chris Gayle's 47-ball century against England in 2016 by 14 deliveries, with his knock also the joint third-fastest century in men's T20 internationals.Tim Seifert thrashed a brisk half-century of his own (58 off 33) as New Zealand's openers put on 117 runs (55 balls) for the first wicket before Allen kicked into overdrive.

Finn Allen’s blazing ton in the chase gets New Zealand into their second Men’s #T20WorldCup final

https://t.co/nv2bu4uGh7 pic.twitter.com/j4DcTSum3y

— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2026

South Africa were previously unbeaten at this tournament, including a seven-wicket victory over the Black Caps in the initial group phase, but faltered with the bat after losing the toss. They lost Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton (0) to consecutive deliveries in the second over to slump to 12-2 while Aiden Markram (18 off 20) and David Miller (6) both failed to capitalise on being dropped on three.