Allen’s 33-ball hundred powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup final

AFP | Kolkata

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Finn Allen smashed a blistering unbeaten century as New Zealand stormed into the T20 World Cup final with a nine-wicket thrashing of South Africa at Eden Gardens yesterday.

Chasing 170, Allen hammered 100 not out off just 33 balls, with 10 fours and eight sixes, to rocket New Zealand to 173-1 in only 12.5 overs after a 117-run opening stand with Tim Seifert. Seifert cracked 58 off 33 balls before falling to Kagiso Rabada, leaving Rachin Ravindra (13 not out) to complete a ruthless chase that underlined New Zealand’s dominance.

Earlier, South Africa recovered from 77-5 to post 169-8 thanks to a counter-attacking 55 not out from 30 balls by allrounder Marco Jansen, who struck two fours and five sixes. Tristan Stubbs contributed 29 off 24 balls, but New Zealand’s varied attack, led by Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra with two wickets each, kept the innings in check after early strikes.

New Zealand, who elected to field, blew away the target in a ferocious Powerplay, racing to 84-0 in six overs and never loosening their grip on a shellshocked South African side still chasing a first global title. Allen was named player of the match for his explosive hundred as New Zealand advanced to the showpiece game.