Eden Gardens erupted as New Zealand clinched a spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, overpowering South Africa by 9 wickets behind Finn Allen’s unprecedented 33-ball 100 – now the benchmark for T20 World Cup tons.
South Africa, batting first, posted 169/8, driven by Jansen’s unbeaten half-century (55 off 30, including 5 sixes). His synergy with Stubbs yielded 73 runs for the sixth wicket, yet New Zealand’s seamers dominated: Henry’s 2/34, McConchie’s stunning 2/9, and multi-wicket hauls from Ravindra, Ferguson, and Neesham.
New Zealand’s pursuit was electric. Allen and Seifert plundered 117 in 9.1 overs; Seifert’s 58 ended soon after. Allen’s masterclass followed – an unbeaten 100 with 10 boundaries and 8 maximums – guiding the team to 173/1 in just 12.5 overs, with Ravindra on 13*.
Allen’s Player of the Match performance underscores New Zealand’s firepower. As anticipation builds for the final, this victory marks a statement of intent from the Kiwi squad.