New Zealand Beat South Africa To Qualify For T20 WC 2026 Final At Narendra Modi Stadium
Finn Allen struck a blazing 33-ball century as New Zealand overpowered South Africa by nine wickets at Eden Gardens.
March 05, 2026: Finn Allen played one of the best knocks in T20 World Cup history as New Zealand crushed South Africa by nine wickets at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. With this win, New Zealand reached the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in style.
After the bowlers limited South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs, the chase turned into the Finn Allen show. He smashed the fastest T20I century between two Full Member nations, reaching his hundred in just 33 balls. It came at the perfect time — in a World Cup semi-final.
Allen and Tim Seifert gave New Zealand a flying start. They powered the team to 84/0 in the six-over powerplay and almost finished the match there. Seifert scored 58 off 28 balls with six fours and two sixes. Allen was on 45 off 17 balls during the powerplay.
New Zealand crossed 100 in just 8.1 overs. Allen brought up his fifty in only 18 balls. When Kagiso Rabada dismissed Seifert, South Africa hoped for a comeback. But it did not happen. Rachin Ravindra joined Allen, and the pair completed the chase at 173/1 in 12.5 overs.
A record-breaking knock from Finn Allen took New Zealand into the #T20WorldCup final🙌
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2026
He wins the @aramco POTM🏅
📝: https://t.co/nv2bu4uGh7 pic.twitter.com/SnTAU9mWX4
South Africa Fight Back After Early Collapse
Earlier, South Africa had a tough start. They were 77/5 in 10.2 overs. But Marco Jansen played a key innings of 55 off 30 balls. He hit two fours and three sixes and helped his team reach 169/8. He also shared a 73-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs.
South Africa began well. Quinton de Kock hit a six early in the innings. But New Zealand fought back quickly. Wickets kept falling, and pressure built up.
Dewald Brevis tried to attack and scored 34 off 25 balls. However, New Zealand bowlers stayed calm. James Neesham and Mitchell Santner took important catches and wickets.
In the end, South Africa posted 169/8. But Allen’s powerful innings made the target look small, and New Zealand moved into the final with a strong all-round performance.
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