In a night that will be remembered for years in T20 Internationals (T20Is), New Zealand opener Finn Allen delivered a breathtaking performance to power the Black Caps into the T20 World Cup 2026 final. Playing at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, the 26-year-old smashed a sensational unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, leading New Zealand to a commanding nine-wicket win over South Africa. His blistering knock not only sealed New Zealand’s place in Sunday’s final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium but also set a new record for the fastest century in Men’s T20 World Cup history.

Chasing a target of 170, Allen produced an innings that left fans and experts in awe. He tore apart the South African bowling attack, smashing 10 fours and eight sixes in a knock that combined fearless hitting with remarkable precision. The Kiwi opener raced to his half-century in just 19 balls, the fastest fifty ever scored by a New Zealand batter in a T20 World Cup. He then accelerated even further, reaching his hundred in only 33 deliveries, breaking Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for the fastest century in the tournament.

Even more astonishing was Allen’s control during the innings. Out of the 33 balls he faced, only four were dot balls, highlighting the relentless pressure he placed on the South African bowlers. His strike rate of 303.03 ensured that the chase never truly looked challenging. To make the moment even more special, Allen became the first player to score a century in a T20 World Cup knockout match, adding another historic milestone to his incredible night.

South Africa recover after early collapse

Earlier in the match, South Africa had struggled to build momentum after being sent in to bat first by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner. Their innings got off to a disastrous start when Cole McConchie struck twice in the second over, dismissing Quinton de Kock for 10 and sending Ryan Rickelton back for a golden duck. Suddenly, the Proteas found themselves in trouble at 12 for 2.

The pressure only intensified when Rachin Ravindra removed captain Aiden Markram for 18 and the dangerous David Miller for just six runs. With South Africa reduced to 77 for 4, the unbeaten team of the tournament appeared to be heading toward a disappointing total.

A brief fightback came through Dewald Brevis, who scored a determined 34 from 27 balls. However, when he fell to James Neesham, South Africa slipped to 108 for 5, leaving them in a difficult position.

The turning point for the Proteas came through Marco Jansen, who launched a counterattack in the later stages of the innings. Partnering with Tristan Stubbs, who contributed 29 runs, Jansen helped add a crucial 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket. The tall all-rounder then took charge in the death overs, finishing unbeaten on 55 off 30 balls, including five sixes and two fours, to push South Africa to a competitive 169 for 8.

Finn Allen’s blitz leaves Proteas helpless

Despite South Africa’s late surge, what followed in the chase was sheer dominance from New Zealand. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert came out with aggressive intent and completely dismantled the Proteas bowling attack. The opening pair raced to 84 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket –  the highest powerplay total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup knockout match.

Seifert played a superb supporting role, scoring 58 off 33 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Together, the duo stitched a 117-run opening partnership, putting New Zealand firmly in control of the match.

Seifert was eventually dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, but by then the contest was already slipping away from South Africa. Allen continued his assault with fearless strokeplay, smashing bowlers like Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen to all parts of the ground.

In fitting fashion, Allen brought up his historic century and sealed the victory with a powerful six over mid-off, sending the New Zealand fans into celebration. The Black Caps completed the chase in just 12.5 overs, with 43 balls to spare, marking one of the most dominant semi-final victories ever seen in T20 World Cup history.

Also READ: “He will be the biggest factor vs England” – Mohammad Kaif’s massive statement ahead of IND vs ENG T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal

Here’s how fans reacted:

Into the Final!

The fastest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup century ever from Finn Allen (100* off 33) leads the chase in Kolkata 🔥 #T20WorldCup | 📸 = ICC/Getty pic.twitter.com/TUfYc5k48u

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 4, 2026

If Finn Allen was Icelandic, we would tear down our statue of Leifur Eiríksson in the heart of Reykjavík and add one of him.

33 balls, 100 runs, SR of 303, and SA absolutely bulldozed!

Sensational! pic.twitter.com/hPJIzxHVpu

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) March 4, 2026

New Zealand won by 9 wickets 🔥

South Africa: 169/8 (20 Ov)
New Zealand: 173/1 (12.5 Ov)

Player of the Match: Finn Allen#SAvNZ #T20WorldCup #cricket pic.twitter.com/gwqnpnYiji

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 4, 2026

WHAT. AN. INNINGS. 🙌

Finn Allen smashed the fastest-ever hundred in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, off just 33 deliveries, to guide New Zealand to the final! 🖤#T20WorldCup #SAvNZ pic.twitter.com/HI1THR9wBR

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 4, 2026

Finn Allen 🤌

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 4, 2026

Into the Final!

The fastest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup century ever from Finn Allen (100* off 33) leads the chase in Kolkata 🔥 #T20WorldCup | 📸 = ICC/Getty pic.twitter.com/TUfYc5k48u

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 4, 2026

Finn Allen what a time to score 💯 👏

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 4, 2026

FINN ALLEN IN THIS T20 WORLD CUP 2026:

Innings – 7.
Runs – 289.
Average – 57.80.
Strike rate – 203.52.
Fours – 24.
Sixes – 20.
Highest score – 100*.

– Finn Allen, The Monster! pic.twitter.com/GOSA5NtcLF

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) March 4, 2026

Finn Allen 33 ball 100 kicked South Africa outside world cup 💥🤯
And it is the fastest 💯 in WC history !!!#NZvsSA #SAvsNZ #finnallen pic.twitter.com/2XX1aPRVcB

— Sky (@SkyStorm__18) March 4, 2026

Hundreds for NZ in T20 WCs

123 – Brendon McCullum vs BAN, Pallekele, 2012
104 – Glenn Phillips vs SL, Sydney, 2022
100* – Finn Allen vs SA, Kolkata, 2026#T20WorldCup #newzealand #Cricket #T20WC @cricketworldcup @ICC

— Factssssssss (@factsssssssonly) March 4, 2026

Fasted T20i hundreds

33 balls – Finn Allen
35 balls – Rohit Sharma and David Miller
37 balls – Abhishek Sharma

Finn allen just broke a record today that stayed about 9 years 🫡🔥 pic.twitter.com/VAm0FOKGE2

— Manjit🇳🇵 (@CricManjit) March 4, 2026

Finn Allen that is one of the most disgusting innings I’ve ever seen in a knock out match. Absolutely filthy.

— Louis Herman-Watt (@LouisHWatt) March 4, 2026

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – India vs England 2nd Semi-Final Ticket Prices and Sitting Details

The disruption of Middle East energy supplies due to the Iran war is pushing global oil and gas prices higher, a development that could strengthen Russia’s finances and indirectly support its war effort in Ukraine.Rising energy prices are increasing the revenue Russia earns from oil and gas exports – a key pillar of the Kremlin’s budget that helps fund government spending, including military operations, reported news agency AP. Prices for Russia’s oil exports have risen from under $40 per barrel as recently as December to about $62 per barrel. The increase began with fears of war and accelerated after tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – a route that carries around 20 per cent of the world’s oil consumption — was largely disrupted.

Although Russian crude still trades at a significant discount to the global benchmark Brent crude, the price is now above the $59 per barrel level assumed in Russia’s 2026 budget plan. Brent crude itself has climbed above $82 from the closing price of $72.87 recorded on the eve of the US and Israeli strike on Iran.Oil and gas taxes account for up to 30 per cent of Russia’s federal budget.At the same time, disruption in the production and shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar — one of the world’s largest suppliers — is expected to intensify global competition for available LNG cargoes, including those from Russia.

A change in fortunes for Russia

Before the latest escalation in the Middle East, Russia’s energy revenues had weakened.State oil and gas income fell to a four-year low of 393 billion rubles ($5 billion) in January, while the country’s budget deficit widened to 1.7 trillion rubles ($21.8 billion) that month, the largest shortfall on record, according to Russia’s Finance Ministry.The decline in revenue had been driven by lower global oil prices and deep discounts on Russian crude caused by Western sanctions and restrictions targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers used to ship oil to major buyers such as China and India.Economic growth has also slowed as military spending has stabilised. President Vladimir Putin has responded by increasing taxes and borrowing more from domestic banks to keep government finances stable during the fifth year of the war in Ukraine.“Russia is a big winner from the war-related energy turmoil,” said Simone Tagliapietra, energy expert at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels, quoted AP. “Higher oil prices mean higher revenues for the government and therefore stronger capability to finance the war in Ukraine.”Amena Bakr, head of Middle East and OPEC+ insights at analytics firm Kpler, wrote: “With Middle East barrels facing logistical disruption, both India and China face strong incentives to deepen reliance on Russian supply.”Meanwhile, the price of natural gas for future delivery in Europe has surged, raising concerns about the European Union’s plan to phase out imports of Russian LNG by 2027.The spike in gas prices has revived memories of the 2022 energy crisis that followed Russia’s decision to halt most pipeline gas supplies to Europe after the invasion of Ukraine.

Strait of Hormuz closure key risk

Analysts say the extent of Russia’s potential financial gains will depend largely on how long the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to shipping.Alexandra Prokopenko, an expert on the Russian economy at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, said a short conflict would likely bring Brent crude back to about $65 per barrel and “a short-lived spike would not fundamentally change” Russia’s fiscal outlook.A middle scenario, where some shipping resumes and oil stabilises around $80 per barrel, could provide Russia with “some fiscal relief,” depending on how long prices remain elevated.However, a prolonged closure of the strait – especially if Iranian strikes damage refineries and pipelines — could push oil prices to $108 per barrel, increase inflation and push Europe closer to recession.“This scenario would bring the largest windfall to Russia,” she said.Even a few weeks of disruption to LNG shipments from the Gulf could trigger political pressure within Europe to reconsider plans to stop signing new Russian LNG contracts after April 25, according to Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory Ltd.“The EU is under even more pressure to work with the U.S. to find a solution to the Ukraine conflict and, very likely, to consider easing the plan for a total block for Russian oil and gas imports,” he said.“Countries such as Hungary and Slovakia and those who have been big buyers of Russian LNG, will press for that review.”Weafer added that Russia’s budget performance could already improve in the near term.“In any case the Russian federal budget will have a much better result in March,” he said, citing smaller discounts on Russian oil and strong global demand.

Russia signals readiness to increase supplies

Russia has also indicated it is ready to increase energy exports.Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russian oil was “in demand” and that Moscow was prepared to expand supplies to China and India, according to the Tass news agency.Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, mocked European leaders over energy security concerns.Writing on X, he said: “surely the wise Ursula and Kaja have a backup LNG plan. Or maybe not.”Despite efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy, several European countries continue to import significant volumes.Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain together import around 2 billion cubic metres of Russian LNG each month. In addition, Hungary receives roughly 2 billion cubic metres monthly via the Turkstream pipeline running across the Black Sea.Tagliapietra estimated that Russian gas supplies could total about 45 billion cubic metres in 2026 — roughly 15 per cent of Europe’s gas demand.Replacing those volumes would be difficult if the global LNG market tightens due to disruptions in the Middle East, he said.

South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

South Africa captain Aiden Markram admitted it was simply a night where very little went his side’s way as a rampant New Zealand national cricket team stormed into the T20 World Cup final with a crushing nine-wicket win at Eden Gardens.New Zealand’s charge was led by a breathtaking 33-ball century from Finn Allen, the fastest hundred in T20 World Cup history, as they chased down 170 in just 12.5 overs. For Markram, the damage was done early.

“I think you look at conditions early and they bowled really well up front. Ball didn’t quite feel like coming on, some were just stopping on the wicket and some were hitting quite low on the bat and they made scoring really tough and through that pressure builds and you lose wickets unfortunately,” Markram said.He credited the Kiwi bowling unit for squeezing his side during the powerplay, where scoring never quite flowed. “So give credit to their bowling unit and obviously with the bat, someone plays an innings like that, don’t think you will come out on the right side of the result many times as a fielding team.”South Africa eventually posted 169 for 8, thanks largely to Marco Jansen’s unbeaten 54 off 30 balls and a crucial stand with Tristan Stubbs after they had slumped to 77 for 5. Markram felt there was still hope at the break.“To get to 170 was a great effort to be fair. At the halfway point we really felt like we had a sniff,” he said.That optimism quickly faded as Allen and Tim Seifert tore into the bowling. “But then, as it goes in T20 cricket.. (in) the powerplay (they) got off to a flyer and can’t protect every boundary unfortunately, and yeah they got away and then from there it was really hard to pull it back.”Markram reserved special praise for the openers who killed the contest inside the first six overs. “So we give massive credit to Finn Allen’s knock, Tim Seifert’s knock to kill the game as early as they did, and yeah unfortunately, it was just that bad night for us tonight.”Reflecting on what could have been done differently, the skipper suggested a quicker tactical adjustment with the bat might have helped.“It’s hard to say right now. We’ll reflect as the group. I think we expected the wicket to play really well. It looked pretty good to the eye, so potentially just adapt a bit quicker with the bats and go back to maybe a bit more old school approach, set it up and try to scrape your way to 190, and maybe you’ll be in the game from there.”Despite the disappointment of falling short of another final, Markram stood firmly behind his squad. “So yeah, we’ll reflect as a group. Obviously disappointed with the result, but very proud of this group of guys who have played some really good cricket throughout this comp, and it’s just an unfortunate evening really.”

Israel launched a new wave of strikes across Iran early Wednesday, while the US military said it has hit nearly 2,000 targets inside the Islamic republic since joining the campaign.The latest Israeli assault came after Iran fired three separate missile barrages toward Israel overnight. Most were intercepted, though a woman in Tel Aviv suffered mild injuries. Israel’s military described its response as a “broad wave of strikes” targeting missile infrastructure and military facilities.

The conflict began Saturday when Israel and the United States launched a joint operation dubbed “Epic Fury.” The first strikes hit sites near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. In the days since, Washington has surged military power into the region, deploying aircraft carriers, fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers — including two of its largest warships, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln.Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command, said American forces are targeting ballistic missiles and “all the things that can shoot at us.”“These forces bring a massive amount of firepower, representing the largest buildup by the US in the Middle East in a generation,” Cooper said, describing the opening barrage as exceeding the scale of the 2003 “shock and awe” campaign against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. “We’ve just begun,” he added.Also read | Israel strikes building where Iranian clerics were choosing Khamenei’s successor

Strikes on nuclear and military targets

Israel said it struck Iranian missile launchers and a nuclear research site Tuesday, with explosions reported across Tehran. Residents described hearing repeated blasts throughout the night. Admiral Cooper said American forces have “severely degraded Iran’s air defenses” and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers and drones.Information from inside Iran has been limited because of communication disruptions, round-the-clock airstrikes and tight media restrictions.

Iran targets US embassies and Gulf states

Iran retaliated across the region, targeting US diplomatic facilities and energy infrastructure.Two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing a limited fire, according to Saudi authorities. An Iranian drone also hit a parking lot outside the US consulate in Dubai, igniting a small blaze, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. All personnel were accounted for.US embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon were closed to the public, and Washington ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and families from several Gulf states. Americans were urged to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, though many remain stranded because of airspace closures.Follow live updates: Consulate in Dubai, CIA station in Saudi Arabia: Iran its US assets across Middle East

Iran’s succession talks

Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as his successor under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iran International, which cited informed sources.However, The New York Times reported a different account, saying senior clerics tasked with choosing the next supreme leader were still deliberating. While Mojtaba had emerged as the clear front-runner, no formal announcement had been made.Israel struck a building in the Iranian city of Qom where senior clerics were reported to be gathered to appoint a successor, an Israeli security official said, as quoted by ANI. The site was linked to the Assembly of Experts, the powerful body tasked with selecting the supreme leader. The extent of damage and possible casualties was not immediately clear.

Trump weighs war aims and Iran’s future

Four days into what President Donald Trump suggested could last weeks or longer, the administration has outlined multiple objectives: dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, crippling its navy, preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons and halting support for allied armed groups.While early strikes reportedly killed Khamenei, senior officials later insisted regime change is not the official goal. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the administration had not seriously considered Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former shah, as a successor.“As far as possible leaders inside Iran, the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said, while cautioning that replacing the regime could bring unintended consequences. He suggested that “someone from within” Iran’s existing power structure might ultimately take control.

Strait of Hormuz

With global energy prices rising, Trump said the US Navy stands ready to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic gateway to the Gulf that Iran has threatened to close.As fighting spreads across Iran, Israel and parts of the Gulf, the spiraling conflict has left the region bracing for a prolonged and unpredictable war — and raised urgent questions about how, and when, it might end.

Rising toll

At least 787 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, though the figure could not be independently confirmed. Nearly 800 deaths have been reported overall inside Iran.Iran has fired dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel, killing 11 people since hostilities erupted.The fighting has spread beyond the two countries. In Lebanon, Israeli retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah militants killed at least 52 people, while the United Nations said more than 30,000 have been displaced.Three people were killed in the United Arab Emirates, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain. The US military confirmed six American service members were killed, including four US Army Reserve soldiers who died in a drone strike Sunday at a command center in Kuwait.

As anticipation builds for the India vs England T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has made a bold prediction about the match.

The semi-final, scheduled in Mumbai just days before the tournament’s final on March 8, has already generated massive excitement among cricket fans worldwide. According to Kaif, Jasprit Bumrah’s four overs could ultimately decide which team progresses to the championship match.

Mohammad Kaif’s bold prediction ahead of IND vs ENG T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal

Kaif emphasized that Bumrah’s performance will be the biggest factor in India’s attempt to defeat England in the semi-final.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif highlighted the significance of Bumrah’s spell in the match.

“Jasprit Bumrah will be the biggest factor in the semi-final against England. Bumrah’s four overs will be crucial,” Kaif said.

Bumrah has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament. In six matches so far, the Indian fast bowler has claimed nine wickets at an impressive average of 14, maintaining a tight economy rate of 6.30.

His track record against England in T20 Internationals is equally impressive. In five matches against the Three Lions, Bumrah has taken nine wickets at an average of 9.11, with a strike rate of 10.2 and an economy rate of 5.34. Such numbers underline why Kaif believes the fast bowler could tilt the match in India’s favour.

With England known for their aggressive batting lineup, Bumrah’s ability to deliver in crucial moments – particularly in the powerplay and death overs – could prove decisive.

Wankhede pitch could produce a different challenge, believes Kaif

Kaif also offered valuable insights into the Wankhede Stadium pitch conditions, suggesting that the surface might behave differently compared to Eden Gardens, where India recently played against the West Indies.

Traditionally, teams winning the toss at Wankhede prefer to bowl first due to the possibility of dew under lights, which can make chasing easier. However, Kaif believes the current pitch may not follow that familiar pattern.

According to him, recent matches have shown that the surface has begun to assist spinners earlier than expected.

He pointed out that England themselves struggled while chasing 180 runs against West Indies at the same venue. Kaif explained that the pitch has been offering turn from the early overs, making batting more challenging as the innings progresses.

Unlike the Eden Gardens pitch, where dew significantly affected play, Kaif suggested that the dew factor at Wankhede may not be as influential this time. The ball has reportedly been turning consistently from the first over until the end of the innings, making conditions more balanced between bat and ball.

If this trend continues in the semi-final, spinners and bowlers who can maintain accuracy could play a crucial role.

While Kaif praised Bumrah, he also expressed concern about India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, whose recent performances have been slightly inconsistent.

Chakravarthy has been one of India’s leading wicket-takers in the tournament, with 12 wickets in seven matches. However, Kaif believes opposition batters have begun to understand his bowling patterns better.

According to Kaif, the spinner sometimes loses composure when attacked by batters.

He noted that when Chakravarthy gets hit for boundaries, he occasionally abandons his natural wicket-to-wicket line and starts bowling toward the pads. This change in strategy could allow aggressive batters to capitalize.

Statistics also highlight a shift in his effectiveness. During the group stage, Chakravarthy picked up nine wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.75. However, in the Super 8 stage, he managed only three wickets, while conceding runs at 10.17 per over.

Kaif advised the spinner to rely more on his leg-spin variations instead of overusing the googly, which many batters now appear better prepared to read.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Wankhede pitch under spotlight ahead of IND vs ENG semifinal

Strong record at Wankhede to boost India’s confidence

India enter the semi-final with a solid record at the Wankhede Stadium. The team has won five of their seven T20 Internationals at the venue and has not suffered a defeat there since December 2017.

England’s record at the ground is also a balanced one. The defending champions have played six T20Is at Wankhede, winning three and losing three.

With both teams boasting explosive batting and world-class bowling attacks, the stage is set for a thrilling semi-final encounter. However, if Kaif’s prediction proves correct, Bumrah’s four overs could ultimately determine India’s path to the T20 World Cup 2026 final.

Also READ: Virat Kohli, IPL franchises lead Holi wishes for fans as cricket fraternity celebrates festival of colours

A ruthless New Zealand rode on a record-breaking 33-ball century from opener Finn Allen to outclass South Africa by nine wickets and storm into the T20 World Cup final in Kolkata on Wednesday. Allen smashed 10 fours and eight sixes to chase down 170 in just 12.5 overs, leaving the entire South African side stunned.The century, the fastest in T20 World Cup history, was a display of sheer power and timing rarely seen at Eden Gardens. Allen’s front-foot dominance and impeccable shot selection saw him clear the rope consistently, with the last 24 runs—from 76 to 100—coming off just five deliveries from Marco Jansen, whose 2.5-over spell for 53 runs turned into a nightmare.

New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, never looked like losing. Their spinners laid the foundation, restricting the Proteas to a below-par 169 for 8. Cole McConchie (2/9) and Rachin Ravindra (2/29) exploited the early grip of the Eden track, dismantling the top order with precision, while Tristan Stubbs (29 off 24) and Jansen (54* off 30) rescued the innings, adding a 73-run sixth-wicket partnership after South Africa slumped to 77/5. Jansen’s innings featured five towering sixes, with many landing deep into the stands, providing some respectability to the total.Allen and Tim Seifert then stole the show. Seifert scored 58 off 33 balls, putting on a whirlwind 117-run opening stand with Allen in just nine overs. The pair hit 13 boundaries and six sixes, effectively ending the contest inside the powerplay. Seifert reached his fifty off 33 balls, while Allen completed his half-century in just 19 deliveries, despite taking a brief medical timeout.The Eden track, slightly slower earlier in the day, became perfect for stroke-play as dew settled in, and the Kiwi openers capitalised brilliantly. Allen’s ability to pick the length and muscle the ball to all parts of the ground left South Africa shell-shocked. By the time he brought up his record century, New Zealand had already seized control, with the chase wrapped up with 7.1 overs to spare.This victory marked New Zealand’s second T20 World Cup final appearance, following their 2021 summit clash in the UAE. If India beat England in Mumbai on Thursday, the final will be a repeat fixture of last year’s Champions Trophy final.For South Africa, it was a frustrating night. Despite Jansen’s heroic 54* and Stubbs’ contribution, the Proteas were undone by a lethal combination of spin in the middle overs and Allen’s audacious power hitting. Dewald Brevis (34 off 27) and Aiden Markram (18) could not anchor the innings, and the top order’s collapse left the side chasing shadows. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Corbin Bosch struggled to contain the Kiwi openers, while Jansen’s earlier misfiring with the ball compounded the misery.

New Zealand opener Finn Allen created history in Kolkata by smashing the fastest century ever in a T20 World Cup on Wednesday, powering New Zealand into the final with a crushing nine-wicket win over South Africa.Chasing 170 in the first semi-final, Allen went on a rampage, scoring an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls.

His knock broke the previous World Cup record of 47 balls set by Chris Gayle. New Zealand chased down the target in just 12.5 overs, finishing the match with 7.1 overs to spare.After the game, Allen said: “Yeah I would say it’s up there. Wanted to get into good positions and hit the ball. Wanted to put them on the back foot early. The way Seifert batted and got us to a flier helped me as well. We wanted to hit straight and enjoyed it together. “You adapt to the wicket, training is important. The boys played a lot on the blacksoil pitches against India before the World Cup so that was good intel. We look forward to the final on Sunday.”Allen’s 33-ball hundred is now the fastest in T20 World Cups, the fastest against a full-member team in T20 internationals, and joint third-fastest in all T20Is.Earlier, South Africa posted 169/8 in 20 overs, with Marco Jansen top-scoring with 55. But their total proved nowhere near enough. Tim Seifert gave New Zealand a flying start with 58 off 33 balls, setting the stage for Allen’s record-breaking blitz.With this dominant performance, New Zealand stormed into the final in style.