New Zealand reached the T20 World Cup final with a nine-wicket demolition of South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens. Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten hundred off just 33 balls, the fastest century in the history of the competition, and only two batters have ever hit a faster ton in international T20 cricket. Allen described the innings as the best of his life.
South Africa had won all seven of their previous matches in the tournament, including a comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the group stage. But they were outplayed when it mattered most. Captain Aiden Markram said his team were "hugely disappointed" and felt as though they had been "slapped in the face" after the defeat.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bowl first, with dew expected to play a factor. The New Zealanders were not flawless in the field, with Rachin Ravindra dropping Markram at midwicket and Glenn Phillips missing a chance off David Miller. Jimmy Neesham's medium pace proved expensive, conceding 42 runs from three overs, but South Africa lacked aggression and finished on a modest 169 for seven.
The chase was explosive. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen plundered 84 runs in the powerplay, using scoops, pulls and cuts to dismantle South Africa's feared fast bowling attack. Kagiso Rabada finally claimed a wicket when he dismissed Seifert, but by then New Zealand had 117 on the board after just 9.1 overs and the result was effectively sealed.
South Africa's innings had earlier been derailed by Cole McConchie, who removed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in his only over. Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen briefly threatened a fightback with a 73-run partnership, including 22 from Neesham's third over, but Matt Henry's final over produced two wickets for six runs, leaving Jansen stranded on 55 from 30 balls.
Allen then brought the match to a close in spectacular fashion, needing just five balls from Jansen's final over to score 24 runs and complete his record-breaking hundred. His innings ensured New Zealand chased down the target with 11 overs to spare, booking their place in the final.
