New Zealand Crush South Africa by 9 Wickets to Reach T20 World Cup Final; Finn Allen Smashes Record Fastest Century

New Zealand advanced to the final of the T20 World Cup after defeating South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final played on Wednesday.

Batting first, South Africa posted 169 for 8 in their 20 overs. In response, New Zealand chased down the target comfortably, scoring 173 for the loss of just one wicket in 12.5 overs.

This marks the second time New Zealand has reached the final in the tournament’s history. The team previously made it to the final in 2021 but lost to Australia. Meanwhile, South Africa, which had reached the final in the previous edition and lost to India, was eliminated in the semi-final this time.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl. South Africa had a difficult start, losing two early wickets for just 12 runs in the second over. Quinton de Kock scored 10 runs before getting out, while Ryan Rickelton was dismissed for a golden duck.

Dewald Brevis, who came in at number four, tried to stabilize the innings. However, captain Aiden Markram, known for his aggressive batting, was dismissed for 18 runs. David Miller also departed cheaply for 6 runs. Brevis scored 34 runs, including three fours and two sixes, before returning to the pavilion. At that stage, South Africa had lost five wickets for just 77 runs.

Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen then formed a crucial partnership, adding 73 runs for the sixth wicket and slowing the collapse. Stubbs scored 29 runs with two fours and a six before getting out. Corbin Bosch managed only 2 runs, while Kagiso Rabada was dismissed for a duck.

Marco Jansen played a fighting knock and remained unbeaten on 55 runs off 30 balls, hitting two fours and five sixes. Keshav Maharaj supported him with 1 run as South Africa finished with 169 for 8.

For New Zealand, Matthew Henry, Cole McConchie, and Rachin Ravindra picked up two wickets each, while Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham claimed one wicket each.

Chasing a target of 170, New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen started aggressively. Their explosive partnership completely dominated the South African bowling attack and added 117 runs for the first wicket.

Seifert scored 58 runs off 33 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, before getting out. Finn Allen, however, continued his blistering form and guided the team to victory alongside Rachin Ravindra.

With 21 runs needed in the final over, Allen finished the match in style by smashing boundaries and sixes. He remained unbeaten on 100 runs from just 33 balls, hitting 10 fours and 8 sixes. Ravindra supported him with 13 runs.

Allen’s century off 33 balls is now the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. The previous record was held by Chris Gayle, who scored a century off 47 balls against England in 2016.

In overall international T20 cricket, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan holds the fastest century record with a 27-ball hundred against Cyprus. Among ICC full-member nations, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza had scored a century in 33 balls against Gambia.

Source : Dinamani