It was an evening to remember for New Zealand supporters as Finn Allen struck the fastest century in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, guiding his side to a nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday.
Allen’s hundred came from just 33 balls and contained 10 fours and eight sixes. He remained unbeaten on 100 as New Zealand reached the target with 7.1 overs to spare and secured a place in the final.
Finn Allen scores the fastest hundred in Men's #T20WorldCup history to power New Zealand into the final👏
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2026
It is one of the @marriottbonvoy Milestones of the #T20WorldCup 2026 👌
📝: https://t.co/nv2bu4uGh7 pic.twitter.com/PSuPYu3rfx
Tim Seifert provided brisk support with 58 from 33 balls, sharing an opening stand of 117 in 9.1 overs. The pair reduced the chase of 170 to a formality with clean and fearless strokeplay.
Earlier, South Africa posted 169 for eight from their 20 overs. Marco Jansen top-scored with an unbeaten 55 from 30 deliveries, striking five sixes, while Dewald Brevis made 34 and Tristan Stubbs added 29.
Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra claimed two wickets apiece, and New Zealand maintained steady control after the halfway stage of the innings.
In reply, New Zealand raced to 84 without loss in the Powerplay. Allen brought up his half-century from 19 balls and later reached three figures in 33 deliveries, setting a new tournament record. Seifert fell to Kagiso Rabada shortly after the opening stand had yielded 117, but the result was beyond doubt.
New Zealand finished on 173 for one in 12.5 overs. They now await the winners of the second semi-final between India and England in the title match.
