KOLKATA: A ruthless New Zealand rode on a record 33-ball century from 'local lad' Finn Allen to outclass South Africa by nine wickets and storm into the T20 World Cup final here Wednesday. The century, fastest ever across all editions of T20 World Cup, was an exhibition of brute masculinity that Eden Gardens has ever witnessed. From 76 to 100, it took Allen five deliveries from Marco Jansen (0/53 in 2.5 overs), whose supposedly dream day turned into an absolute nightmare. This is Black Caps' second T20 World Cup summit clash after 2021 (in UAE). He took only 14 deliveries for his second fifty even as he took medical time out in between.

Source: Indian Express March 04, 2026 16:48 UTC