A brutal New Zealand team hit a record-breaking 33-ball hundred from the opener to beat South Africa by 9 wickets to reach the T20 World Cup final in Kolkata on Wednesday. Allen hit 10 fours and 8 sixes to equalize 170 points in just 12.5 balls, shocking the entire South African team.
The century was the fastest in T20 World Cup history, displaying a level of sheer power and timing rarely seen at the Eden Gardens. Allen’s front-foot dominance and impeccable shot selection saw him consistently clearing the ropes, with the final 24 runs (from 76 to 100) coming off just five deliveries from Marco Jansen, whose 53 over 2.5 overs turned into a nightmare.
Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand never looked like losing. Their spinners laid the foundation to restrict the Proteas to 169 for eight. Cole McConchie (2/9) and Lachin Ravindra (2/29) took advantage of the early grip at the Eden Park to break the top order with precision, while Tristan Stubbs (29 off 24) and Jansen (54 off 30*) saved the innings, adding a 73-run sixth wicket partnership after South Africa fell to 77/5. Jansen’s innings featured five towering sixes, many of which landed deep in the stands, lending some respect to the total.
Allen and Tim Seifert then stole the show.
Seifert scored 58 points off 33 balls and posted a whirlwind of 117 runs with Allen in just 9 overs. The duo hit 13 boundaries and six sixes to effectively end the match in the powerplay.
Seifert completed his 50 off 33 balls, while Allen, despite a brief medical timeout, completed his half-century in just 19 balls.
The Eden circuit was a bit slower earlier in the day but as the dew fell the Eden circuit became ideal for stroke play and Team New Zealand’s opener produced a strong result.
Allen’s choice of length and ability to deliver the ball to all parts of the ground stunned South Africa. By the time he hit his century-plus, New Zealand had taken control of the match and the chase ended in 7.1 overs.
The victory marked New Zealand’s second T20 World Cup final after the 2021 summit in the UAE.
If India beat England in Mumbai on Thursday, the final will be a repeat of last year’s Champions Trophy final.
It was a frustrating night for South Africa.
Despite a heroic 54* from Jansen and contributions from Stubbs, the Proteas were overwhelmed by a lethal combination of mid-on spin and Allen’s audacious power-hitting. Dewald Brevis (34 off 27) and Aiden Markram (18) were unable to dominate the innings and the collapse of the top order left the team chasing shadows.
Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch struggled to contain New Zealand’s start, while Jansen’s early error added to the team’s misery.