New Zealand delivered a stunning upset in the T20 World Cup semi-final, crushing previously undefeated South Africa by nine wickets thanks to a record-breaking century from Finn Allen.
The Black Caps now advance to face either England or India in the final, following a dominant performance that dismantled the tournament favourites.
South Africa had entered the semi-final at Eden Gardens as the team to beat, boasting a perfect record of seven consecutive wins, including a group stage victory over New Zealand. However, their formidable run came to an abrupt and emphatic end as they were comprehensively outplayed.
New Zealand, who had also suffered a defeat to England in the Super 8s, restricted their opponents to 169 for eight with a disciplined bowling display.
What followed was a chase that appeared effortless, spearheaded by a brutal opening partnership that effectively ended the contest within the first nine overs.
Finn Allen, alongside Tim Seifert, unleashed an onslaught, putting on 117 runs. While Seifert departed for a rapid 58, Allen continued his relentless assault, smashing an unbeaten 100 from just 33 deliveries to seal victory with a remarkable 43 balls remaining.
This century stands as the fastest in the tournament’s history, culminating in his final five balls disappearing for three fours and two sixes off a shellshocked Marco Jansen.
Victorious skipper Mitchell Santner lauded his team’s performance, particularly the batting heroics.
He said: "It was special. That was nice to watch, I’m not going to lie. They took it on and Finny just carried on…a 33-ball hundred is not bad. I don’t know if it was a perfect game, but earlier we have been good in periods and today we were good all the way through."
Conversely, a dejected South Africa coach Shukri Conrad, who has previously dismissed suggestions of his team ‘choking’ in major tournaments, offered a stark assessment.
"I don’t know if tonight was a choke. I thought it was a bloody walloping," he stated.
"I think in order for you to choke, you must have had a sniff in the game. We didn’t have a sniff. We chose a really crappy time to have a bad night. Full marks to them, they were a hell of a lot better than us tonight."
New Zealand’s masterstroke began after winning the toss and opting to bowl, with veteran off-spinner Cole McConchie introduced in the second over.
He immediately made an impact, dismissing left-handers Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton with successive deliveries, completing his only over with two crucial wickets.
Despite Aiden Markram being dropped by Rachin Ravindra, preventing a deeper collapse at 22 for three, South Africa struggled to build momentum. Apart from an expensive over from Jimmy Neesham, the Black Caps maintained control.
They were well short at the halfway mark, 77 for four, following David Miller’s cheap dismissal, though Dewald Brevis’ 34 and an attacking 55 not out from Jansen offered some late hope.
However, any South African optimism quickly evaporated as Allen and Seifert launched their devastating attack during the powerplay. The pair plundered 84 wicketless runs in the first six overs, capitalising on fielding restrictions with nine fours and five sixes.
The runs continued to flow relentlessly, transforming the match into a procession rather than a contest, with Corbin Bosch conceding 35 runs in just 12 balls.
Seifert reached his fifty first but was eventually bowled by Kagiso Rabada, leaving the stage clear for Allen to complete his historic century, with Ravindra largely a spectator as his partner smashed 42 runs from his final 11 deliveries.
Workers facing race against time to get stadium ready for reopening before World Cup
Elliot Daly knows England’s revamped backline must hit ground running in Italy
India are favourites but England are the most awkward team left in the T20 World Cup
Harry Brook says togetherness and competitive spirit can take England into final
Harry Brook explains why England can shock hosts India to reach T20 World Cup final
The key talking points ahead of England’s T20 World Cup semi-final with India
