New Zealand Crush South Africa to Reach T20 World Cup Final

Kolkata: New Zealand stormed into the final of the T20 World Cup with a commanding victory over South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The Kiwis sealed the win by nine wickets in a one-sided contest.

Chasing a target of 170, New Zealand were powered by a sensational innings from opener Finn Allen, who struck the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. Allen reached his hundred in just 33 balls, dismantling the South African bowling attack from the outset.

Earlier, South Africa posted 169 for 8 after being put in to bat. Reduced to 77 for 5 at one stage, the South African team were rescued by an explosive knock from Marco Jansen, who smashed 55 off 30 balls, including five sixes in the death overs. His late assault gave South Africa a fighting total.

However, New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert made light work of the chase. The Kiwis raced to 84 runs in the powerplay, effectively taking the game away from South Africa early. Seifert contributed a brisk 58 off 33 deliveries before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, but by then the result was beyond doubt.

Allen’s breathtaking innings, studded with 10 fours and 8 sixes, guided New Zealand to the target in just 12.5 overs.

With this victory, New Zealand once again asserted their dominance over South Africa in World Cup knockout matches. The Kiwis will now compete for the title in the final scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad on Sunday.