In the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026 played on Wednesday at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, New Zealand entered the final for the second time by defeating South Africa by 9 wickets. Finn Allen’s fastest century in T20 World Cup history with 10 fours and 8 sixes in 33 balls became the basis of this victory.
South Africa was unbeaten in the tournament and had defeated New Zealand in the group stage itself. But the Kiwi team did wonders in the semi-finals. The decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved correct. Despite Marco Jansen’s unbeaten 55 off 30 balls, South Africa could only score 169 runs for 8 wickets.
In reply, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert scored 117 runs in 9.1 overs for the first wicket. Seifert returned after scoring 58 runs in 33 balls, but Allen did not stop. With his stormy century, New Zealand won by scoring 173 runs by 1 wicket in 12.5 overs.
This is New Zealand’s second T20 World Cup final. In 2021, the team that reached the final after defeating England, lost to Australia by 8 wickets. Williamson’s innings of 85 went in vain as Warner and Marsh completed the chase. Now is the chance to create history in 2026.
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