Finn Allen’s 33-ball century dismantles Proteas, fires New Zealand into T20 World Cup final

Finn Allen celebrates his hundred. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Allen smashed the fastest-ever century in Men’s T20 World Cup history, hammering an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls to anchor New Zealand’s chase of 170 in jaw-dropping fashion.

The Kiwis romped home at 173/1 with more than seven overs to spare, dismantling a South African side that had been unbeaten until the Kolkata clash.

Finn Allen fires against South African bowlers. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Opening alongside wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, Allen tore into the Proteas attack as the duo plundered 84 runs in the powerplay.

Their blistering 117-run stand off just 55 balls for the first wicket virtually sealed the contest inside the first half of the chase.

Kagiso Rabada picked up the lone wicket, dismissing Seifert for a fluent 58 off 33 balls, but the muted celebration reflected the inevitability of the result.

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert during their mammoth partnership. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Earlier, Marco Jansen top-scored with a fighting 55 off 30 balls (2 fours, 5 sixes) to lift South Africa to 169/8 after they had slumped to 77/5.

Rachin Ravindra (2/29) and Matt Henry (2/34) led the bowling charge for New Zealand, keeping the Proteas under constant pressure before a late resistance from Jansen and Tristan Stubbs.

Marco Jansen's knock that helped South Africa to post a respectable total. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

New Zealand will now face either England or India in the March 8 final, eyeing their maiden T20 World Cup crown.

(Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)