New Zealand stormed into the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Chasing 170, the Black Caps raced to 173/1 in just 12.5 overs after restricting South Africa to 169/8, snapping the Proteas’ unbeaten run in the tournament.
Finn Allen produced a historic innings, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls to record the fastest century in Men’s T20 World Cup history.
New Zealand will now appear in their second T20 World Cup final, having last played the summit clash in 2021.
Earlier, New Zealand struck early after choosing to field as Cole McConchie dismissed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in consecutive deliveries to leave South Africa struggling at 12/2.
The Proteas slipped further to 77/5 before Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen revived the innings with a 73-run partnership, with Jansen finishing unbeaten on 55 off 30 balls.
New Zealand’s bowlers shared the wickets with McConchie claiming 2/9, Rachin Ravindra taking 2/29 and Matt Henry also picking up two wickets.
In reply, Tim Seifert and Allen launched a brutal attack during the powerplay, adding 84 runs in the first six overs, the second-highest powerplay score of the tournament.
Seifert contributed a rapid 58 off 33 balls before falling to Kagiso Rabada, but Allen continued his onslaught, hammering eight sixes and 10 fours to reach a remarkable century.
Allen accelerated dramatically after reaching fifty in 19 balls, bringing up his hundred in just 33 deliveries to surpass the previous record held by Chris Gayle.
With Allen in complete control, New Zealand cruised past the target with ease to book their place in the tournament final on Sunday (8).
