Netizens go wild as Finn Allen smashes a record-breaking century to power New Zealand into the T20 World Cup 2026 final with a win over South Africa

In a night that will be remembered for years in T20 Internationals (T20Is), New Zealand opener Finn Allen delivered a breathtaking performance to power the Black Caps into the T20 World Cup 2026 final. Playing at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, the 26-year-old smashed a sensational unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, leading New Zealand to a commanding nine-wicket win over South Africa. His blistering knock not only sealed New Zealand’s place in Sunday’s final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium but also set a new record for the fastest century in Men’s T20 World Cup history.

Chasing a target of 170, Allen produced an innings that left fans and experts in awe. He tore apart the South African bowling attack, smashing 10 fours and eight sixes in a knock that combined fearless hitting with remarkable precision. The Kiwi opener raced to his half-century in just 19 balls, the fastest fifty ever scored by a New Zealand batter in a T20 World Cup. He then accelerated even further, reaching his hundred in only 33 deliveries, breaking Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for the fastest century in the tournament.

Even more astonishing was Allen’s control during the innings. Out of the 33 balls he faced, only four were dot balls, highlighting the relentless pressure he placed on the South African bowlers. His strike rate of 303.03 ensured that the chase never truly looked challenging. To make the moment even more special, Allen became the first player to score a century in a T20 World Cup knockout match, adding another historic milestone to his incredible night.

South Africa recover after early collapse

Earlier in the match, South Africa had struggled to build momentum after being sent in to bat first by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner. Their innings got off to a disastrous start when Cole McConchie struck twice in the second over, dismissing Quinton de Kock for 10 and sending Ryan Rickelton back for a golden duck. Suddenly, the Proteas found themselves in trouble at 12 for 2.

The pressure only intensified when Rachin Ravindra removed captain Aiden Markram for 18 and the dangerous David Miller for just six runs. With South Africa reduced to 77 for 4, the unbeaten team of the tournament appeared to be heading toward a disappointing total.

A brief fightback came through Dewald Brevis, who scored a determined 34 from 27 balls. However, when he fell to James Neesham, South Africa slipped to 108 for 5, leaving them in a difficult position.

The turning point for the Proteas came through Marco Jansen, who launched a counterattack in the later stages of the innings. Partnering with Tristan Stubbs, who contributed 29 runs, Jansen helped add a crucial 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket. The tall all-rounder then took charge in the death overs, finishing unbeaten on 55 off 30 balls, including five sixes and two fours, to push South Africa to a competitive 169 for 8.

Finn Allen’s blitz leaves Proteas helpless

Despite South Africa’s late surge, what followed in the chase was sheer dominance from New Zealand. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert came out with aggressive intent and completely dismantled the Proteas bowling attack. The opening pair raced to 84 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket –  the highest powerplay total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup knockout match.

Seifert played a superb supporting role, scoring 58 off 33 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Together, the duo stitched a 117-run opening partnership, putting New Zealand firmly in control of the match.

Seifert was eventually dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, but by then the contest was already slipping away from South Africa. Allen continued his assault with fearless strokeplay, smashing bowlers like Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen to all parts of the ground.

In fitting fashion, Allen brought up his historic century and sealed the victory with a powerful six over mid-off, sending the New Zealand fans into celebration. The Black Caps completed the chase in just 12.5 overs, with 43 balls to spare, marking one of the most dominant semi-final victories ever seen in T20 World Cup history.

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