T20 World Cup 2026: Finn Allen Hurries Things At The Final Over To Take New Zealand To The Fifth Semifinal

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New Zealand pulled off a sensational victory in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, riding on a breathtaking century from Finn Allen and nerveless finishing in the final over to seal their place in the final.

Chasing 170 under lights at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Black Caps came out with remarkable intent. The tone was set early by Finn Allen, who launched a stunning assault on the South African bowling attack. The right-hander brought up the fastest fifty ever by a New Zealand batter in a T20 World Cup match, reaching the milestone in just 19 balls. He did not slow down thereafter, eventually racing to a blistering century that left the opposition scrambling for answers.

Allen's knock was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He peppered the boundary with crisp drives and audacious pulls, clearing the ropes with ease. His innings not only dismantled South Africa's bowling plans but also ensured New Zealand stayed well ahead of the required rate for most of the chase. In the process, he also scored the fastest century, overtaking the record of the Universal Boss set in 2016. Allen's innings included six fours and three towering sixes, mesmerizing the Eden Gardens crowd.

The Final Over Fury

If there were any lingering doubts about the evident outcome, Finn Allen spectacularly erased them. With Marco Jansen handed the ball, South Africa needed something extraordinary. What followed instead was pure devastation. Jansen began with a slower delivery on the stumps, only for Allen to shuffle across and scoop it brilliantly over short fine leg for four. The pressure instantly mounted on South Africa as Allen signalled his intent.

The next ball, a low full toss on the pads, was dispatched with authority. Allen whipped it behind square, timing it to perfection as it raced away to the boundary. Sensing desperation, Jansen banged one in short, but Allen was ready. He pulled fiercely over midwicket for a towering six, surging into the 90s and leaving the fielding side deflated.

Jansen tried another change of pace, but Allen picked the slower ball early and launched it straight down the ground for another massive six, a strike so clean the ball had to be replaced. And then came the crowning moment. With a boundary that followed, Allen completed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, roaring in celebration as his teammates erupted in the dugout.

In a matter of deliveries, the semi-final was emphatically sealed. What was meant to be pressure turned into a breathtaking exhibition of power-hitting, with Allen's assault blowing South Africa away and sending New Zealand marching into the final.