New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) Rachin Ravindra, the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder for New Zealand, attributed the team's exceptional nine-wicket triumph over South Africa in the Men's T20 World Cup semi-final to their thorough planning and extensive experience in franchise cricket.

The foundation for New Zealand's victory was laid by Finn Allen, who unleashed an aggressive assault on the South African bowlers, smashing ten boundaries and eight sixes to achieve a remarkable century in just 33 balls—the fastest hundred recorded in T20 World Cup history. Alongside Tim Seifert, who contributed 58 runs, they forged a blistering 117-run opening partnership as New Zealand chased down 170 runs with 43 balls remaining.

"We hold South Africa in high regard for their power, consistently displayed in T20 matches. My bowling strategy focuses on challenging the batters by varying pace, seam angle, and line. Having Santner at extra cover allows me to exchange ideas with him," stated Ravindra during an interview on JioStar.

Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan praised New Zealand's knack for excelling in knockout matches, underscoring their status as a constant threat in ICC tournaments despite their relatively small population. "New Zealand executed a flawless game plan. With a population of only 6 million, they consistently perform well in ICC knockouts. They always enter with a well-thought-out strategy; Finn Allen timed his magnificent century perfectly, while Rachin Ravindra excelled both with bat and ball," he remarked.

“Mitchell Santner kept the team grounded after the victory, reminding everyone that the job isn't finished until the final match. Cole McConchie, who bowled just one over, took two wickets, exemplifying how Kiwis prepare diligently, execute their plans flawlessly, and swiftly move on to the next challenge.”

Pathan also pointed out a strategic miscalculation by South Africa regarding their powerplay bowling tactics, though he noted it did not detract from New Zealand's outstanding performance. "Finn Allen displayed incredible power, both in front of the wicket and square. When a batter can lap shots in the powerplay while also driving straight, it becomes nearly impossible to devise a strategy against him."

“South Africa overlooked the opportunity to start with Keshav Maharaj against the right-hander, but that shouldn't take away from the superbly prepared New Zealand squad. Their experience on Sri Lankan pitches has evidently sharpened their skills against spin, and on a favorable batting surface, they showcased their capabilities.”

Pathan elaborated further on why Allen's unique position in the crease left opposing bowlers with limited options. "The bowlers had constrained strategies, perhaps to deny pace, but a full-length delivery contributed to nearly 40 percent of the runs from his front-foot and lap shots against fast bowlers.

“Allen positioned himself deep in the crease, similar to his approach in Sri Lanka, where on slower pitches, players wait on the back foot rather than the front. He has refined his game. His strike rate against spin was nearly half compared to pace, but once established, he elevated that as well, which he demonstrated brilliantly."

With this victory, New Zealand has advanced to the final, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad on Sunday, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar explained that what distinguished Allen's innings was not only his destructive play against pace but also a significant improvement in his ability to handle spin. "Finn Allen's innings were remarkable against pace, where he has always been a powerhouse, but his development in countering spin was crucial.

“He adapted exceptionally well to the black-soil pitches by positioning both feet inside the crease, executing back-foot shots closer to the stumps, even with his front leg behind the bowling crease. This reflects significant planning and hard work. Players like him may be inconsistent, but when they are in form, they can obliterate the opposition and secure victories single-handedly."