Kolkata, March 4, 2026 – New Zealand stormed into the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semi-final at the iconic Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
A breathtaking unbeaten century from Finn Allen powered the Black Caps to a dominant win, ending South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament and sealing New Zealand’s place in their second T20 World Cup final.
New Zealand End Proteas’ Unbeaten Streak
After electing to field first, New Zealand executed their plans to perfection. The Black Caps restricted South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs, before racing to 173/1 in just 12.5 overs, completing a comprehensive nine-wicket triumph.
The win marks New Zealand’s return to the T20 World Cup final for the first time since 2021, underlining their growing reputation as a powerhouse in global white-ball cricket.
McConchie, Ravindra Rock South Africa Early
New Zealand made early inroads after introducing off-spinner Cole McConchie in just the second over. The move paid immediate dividends as he dismissed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton off successive deliveries, reducing South Africa to 12/2.
Captain Aiden Markram attempted to rebuild with Dewald Brevis, but the partnership was cut short when Markram fell to a spectacular diving catch by Daryl Mitchell off the bowling of Rachin Ravindra.
Brevis chipped in with 34 before holing out to cover off James Neesham, leaving South Africa struggling at 77/5.
A late 73-run stand between Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen revived the innings. Jansen smashed an unbeaten 55 off 30 balls, including five sixes, to push the total to a competitive 169/8.
McConchie (2/9) and Ravindra (2/29) led the bowling effort, while Matt Henry claimed two wickets. Lockie Ferguson and Neesham chipped in with one apiece.
Finn Allen Smashes Fastest Century in T20 World Cup History
Chasing 170, New Zealand launched an extraordinary assault from the outset.
Openers Tim Seifert and Allen plundered 84 runs in the powerplay — the second-highest powerplay total of the tournament.
Seifert scored a fluent 58 off 33 balls before falling to Kagiso Rabada, but by then the damage was done.
Allen, however, was unstoppable.
The right-hander blasted an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, registering the fastest century in Men’s T20 World Cup history. He hammered eight sixes and 10 fours, reaching his first fifty in 19 balls and his second in just 14 deliveries.
The previous record belonged to Chris Gayle, who scored a 47-ball century against England in 2016.
Allen fittingly sealed the victory in style, smashing three fours and two sixes in the final moments as New Zealand cruised into the final with overs to spare.
What’s Next?
With this emphatic win, New Zealand advance to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, where they will look to lift their maiden T20 World Cup trophy.
South Africa, meanwhile, bow out after an impressive campaign that saw them remain unbeaten until the semi-finals.
The stage is now set for a blockbuster final as New Zealand aim to turn their red-hot form into world glory.