New Zealand have stormed into the T20 World Cup final after a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semi-final in Kolkata. Finn Allen smashed the fastest century in men's World Cup history, reaching three figures off just 33 balls as the Black Caps chased down 170 with more than seven overs to spare.
Allen's unbeaten 100, featuring seven fours and six sixes, left South Africa's much-vaunted pace attack in tatters. He shared a blistering opening stand of 117 with Tim Seifert, who made 48 off 28 balls, effectively ending the contest inside the powerplay. New Zealand reached 173-1 in 12.5 overs, with Allen hitting the winning runs to bring up his hundred.
South Africa, who had won all four group matches, were put in to bat and posted 169-4 after a slow start. Captain Aidan Markram top-scored with 52, but the total never looked enough once Allen and Seifert began their assault. Markram admitted his side were 'slapped in the face' by the defeat, saying they failed to adapt to tricky conditions.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised his team's performance, particularly the opening partnership. 'It was nice to watch, I'm not gonna lie,' he said. 'If you get through a powerplay none down, it puts you in a pretty position. And then Finny just carried on.' Allen said the innings was 'pretty up there' with his best, adding: 'We wanted to put them on the back foot early.'
New Zealand will face the winners of Thursday's second semi-final between India and England in Sunday's final. It will be the Black Caps' fourth World Cup final across formats, and they will be seeking their first title.
