History was made under the lights at Eden Gardens as New Zealand’s Finn Allen delivered a semi-final masterclass, scoring the quickest T20 World Cup hundred ever. In dismantling South Africa, he claimed records held by Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan, ensuring a spot in the final.
Allen’s unbeaten 100 off 33 balls featured a staggering 8 sixes and 10 fours, turning the chase of 170 into a procession. South Africa had set a competitive 169/8, powered by Jansen’s 55, but crumbled under Allen’s onslaught. This eclipses Gayle’s 47-ball effort in 2016 and Dilshan’s 96* from 2009’s semi-final.
The Kiwis wrapped up the 9-wicket victory in 12.5 overs, with Seifert smashing 58 off 33 and Ravindra unbeaten on 13 off 11. Allen became the third New Zealander to notch a T20 WC ton, after McCullum’s 123* and Phillips’ 104.
Awarded Player of the Match, Allen’s performance transcends stats—it’s pure T20 entertainment. New Zealand now eyes the trophy, with Allen emerging as the tournament’s breakout star whose fearless approach could redefine white-ball batting.