Kolkata, March 4 (NationPress) In a stunning display of power-hitting, Finn Allen achieved a remarkable unbeaten century off just 33 balls, marking one of the most explosive innings in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup. His incredible performance propelled New Zealand into the final with a decisive nine-wicket triumph over South Africa at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

While chasing a target of 170, Allen unleashed a barrage on the formidable South African bowling attack, smashing ten boundaries and eight massive sixes. With this knock, he not only set the record for the fastest century in the men’s T20 World Cup but also became the first player to achieve this feat in a knockout match. This innings marked his third century in T20Is and tied him for the fastest hundred by a full member batter, further solidifying his status as one of the most destructive openers in the shortest format.

Complementing Allen's fireworks was Tim Seifert, who contributed a swift 58 off 33 balls. Together, they forged a 117-run opening partnership that effectively extinguished South Africa’s hopes of defending their total of 169/8. This victory also marked New Zealand’s inaugural win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup, sending a powerful message as they head into the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

For South Africa, this loss was another disappointing chapter in major ICC knockout matches. Undefeated throughout the tournament and considered favorites for the title, they were outperformed in all aspects. Marco Jansen's resilient 55 had earlier helped them to a competitive total, but Allen’s onslaught proved to be too much, allowing New Zealand to reach their second Men’s T20 World Cup final.

Beginning their chase of 170 on a pitch made easier by dew, Seifert capitalized on edges off Marco Jansen to score boundaries, while Allen initiated his assault with a four off Kagiso Rabada and soon cleared the straight boundary against Jansen. Seifert scooped and drove Rabada and Jansen for more boundaries, racing past fifty in just four overs.

In a breathtaking display, Allen decimated Corbin Bosch in the final over of the powerplay, amassing 22 runs, including four boundaries and a six, pushing New Zealand to 91/0—recording their highest six-over phase score in Men’s T20 World Cup history. Seifert reached his half-century in merely 22 balls, while Allen achieved his fifty in just 19 deliveries.

The opening partnership of 117 concluded when Seifert was bowled by Rabada in the tenth over. Rachin Ravindra joined Allen, who was already well into the 70s, ensuring the momentum remained high. Allen continued his aggressive approach, dispatching Bosch, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Jansen with audacious shots.

Allen reached his century in just 33 balls and capped off the chase with a flat six over mid-off, celebrating with a roar as his teammates erupted in joy from the dugout, marking one of the most dominant chases in tournament history.

Earlier, South Africa found themselves in a precarious position at 77/5 in 10.2 overs before Jansen steadied the ship, hitting two fours and five sixes to reach 55 not out off 27 balls. For New Zealand, Cole McConchie, Ravindra, and Matt Henry each took two wickets, though they conceded 61 runs in the last five overs.

Quinton de Kock began South Africa’s innings with a stylish four and six before miscuing a shot off McConchie in the opening over. Shortly after, McConchie struck again, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for a golden duck.

Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis attempted to rebuild, with Markram dropped on three by Ravindra and Brevis hitting boundaries off Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham. However, Markram fell for 18, caught at long-on off Ravindra.

Brevis continued to impress, hitting Ravindra for a six over cow corner and clearing mid-wicket against Mitchell Santner. Yet, he fell for 34, caught at cover off Neesham in the 11th over, while David Miller also departed for six after being dismissed by Ravindra.

Tristan Stubbs partnered with Jansen, and the duo stabilized the innings. Jansen reached his maiden fifty of the tournament with consecutive sixes off Ferguson, remaining unbeaten on 55, despite the loss of Bosch and Rabada in the final over, ensuring South Africa posted a total that was swiftly chased down by Allen and his team.

Brief Scores: South Africa 169/8 in 20 overs (Marco Jansen 55 not out, Dewald Brevis 34; Cole McConchie 2-9, Rachin Ravindra 2-29) lost to New Zealand 173/1 in 12.5 overs (Finn Allen 100 not out, Tim Seifert 58; Kagiso Rabada 1-28) by nine wickets.