T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand Thrash South Africa To Storm Into Final

Kolkata: New Zealand rode a record breaking century by Finn Allen and a spectacular half ton by his opening partner Tim Seifert to overpower South Africa by nine wickets and make a spectacular entry into the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

What happened during the match?

South Africa set a target of 170 runs at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which New Zealand chased down in just 12.5 overs, losing just one wicket. South Africa was devastated by opener Phil Allen's century bomb. He scored an unbeaten 100 off 33 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes. This is the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. Allen broke the record of former West Indies great Chris Gayle, who scored a century off 47 balls against England in the 2016 T20 World Cup. New Zealand secured a place in the final of the tournament in the second innings. New Zealand had lost to Australia in the 2021 T20 World Cup final.

How did Allen torment the Proteas?

Allen was in a different mood while chasing the target in the semi-final. He, along with Tim Seifert, tore apart the South African bowlers. New Zealand were 84 for no loss in the powerplay. Allen smashed 22 runs in the sixth over bowled by Corbin Bosch, including a six and four fours. He reached his 50 in 18 balls. He added the next 50 runs in just 15 balls. Allen and Seifert shared a 117-run partnership for the first wicket. Seifert scored 58 runs in 33 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. He reached his half-century in 28 balls. Rachin Ravindra came in after Seifert's departure. He remained unbeaten on 13 runs off 11 balls, including two fours. Allen also completed his century in the 13th over bowled by Marco Jansen, leading New Zealand to victory. He hit three fours and two sixes off Jansen.

How did South African batters perform?

Earlier, after losing the toss, South Africa scored 169 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. With the help of Yanson's half-century (55 not out off 30 balls), South Africa recovered from early setbacks and posted a challenging total. On a difficult pitch for batsmen, New Zealand off-spinner Cole McConchie (2/9 in one over) and left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra (2/29 in four overs) bowled devastatingly, rattling the South African top order. Yanson and Tristan Stubbs (29 off 24 balls) then steadied the innings. The two added 73 runs for the sixth wicket. Previously, South Africa had lost five wickets for 77 runs in the 11th over. As the innings progressed, dew became a factor, and strokeplay became easier.

Yanson, considered one of the world's best all-rounders, hit five sixes in his innings, most of which went past the 15th row, demonstrating his power and timing. He smashed two sixes off Lockie Ferguson in the 19th over, bringing up his fifty in 27 balls. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner handed the ball to off-spinner McConchie in the second over, who bowled only one over in the match but dismissed Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton (0) in consecutive deliveries. Dewald Brevis scored 34 runs off 27 balls but couldn't convert his good start into a big one. He was dismissed by James Neesham. At the time of Brevis's dismissal, New Zealand were 77 for five, after which Yanson took charge. Ravindra dismissed Aiden Markram (18) and David Miller (6).