New Zealand produced a devastating display of power-hitting to crush South Africa in the first T20 World Cup semi-final at Eden Gardens, riding on a breath-taking 33-ball century from Finn Allen to seal a place in the final with remarkable ease.
Chasing a target of 170, the Black Caps needed just 12.5 overs to complete the job, turning what looked like a competitive total into a one-sided contest. Allen’s astonishing innings — 100* from only 33 deliveries, including eight sixes — set the tone for one of the most brutal batting performances seen at a T20 World Cup.
Alongside Tim Seifert, Allen dismantled the South African attack in a blistering opening stand that effectively ended the contest inside the powerplay. New Zealand raced to 84 in the first six overs, leaving South Africa with little chance of recovering as the chase accelerated rapidly.
Earlier, South Africa had appeared well placed to challenge after entering the semi-final unbeaten in the tournament. But their innings never fully recovered after an early collapse triggered by New Zealand’s spinners.
Cole McConchie delivered a decisive moment in just the second over of the match, dismissing both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in successive deliveries. The early double strike immediately put South Africa on the back foot.
Rachin Ravindra then compounded the pressure by removing captain Aiden Markram and the dangerous David Miller, leaving South Africa struggling at 77/5. The innings threatened to unravel completely before Marco Jansen mounted a counterattack.
Jansen struck an aggressive 50 from 27 balls, launching five sixes in a spirited effort to revive South Africa’s innings. Tristan Stubbs added a useful 29 as the pair helped push the total to 169, giving their bowlers something to defend.
However, the target proved nowhere near enough once Allen and Seifert began their assault. Allen in particular was unstoppable, repeatedly clearing the ropes and dismantling South Africa’s pace attack with fearless batting.
The emphatic victory once again highlighted New Zealand’s remarkable ability to rise to the occasion at global tournaments. Despite entering the knockout stage with a more modest group-stage record than their opponents, the Black Caps delivered when it mattered most.
For South Africa, it was another painful exit at an ICC event, continuing a long history of near-misses and heartbreak in knockout matches.
New Zealand now advance to yet another ICC final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and England.
