Finn Allen hit the fastest century in T20 World Cup history as New Zealand crushed 2024 runners-up South Africa by nine wickets to reach Sunday’s final.
Chasing 170, after a 27-ball half-century from Marco Jansen rescued South Africa from 77-5, Allen smashed 100* off just 33 balls, hitting 10 fours and eight sixes. New Zealand won easily with 43 balls left.
Allen broke Chris Gayle’s record of a 47-ball century against England in 2016, beating it by 14 balls. It is also the joint third-fastest century in men’s T20 internationals.
Tim Seifert also scored a quick 58 off 33 balls as New Zealand’s openers put on 117 runs in just 55 balls. Allen then went into top gear, smashing 42 runs off 11 balls in his 56-run stand with Rachin Ravindra, including five straight boundaries off Jansen to seal the win.
South Africa, who were unbeaten in the tournament and had earlier beaten the Black Caps, struggled after losing the toss. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton fell early, while Aiden Markram and David Miller failed to make the most of their chances.
Dewald Brevis scored 34 before getting out, but Jansen (55* off 30) and Tristan Stubbs (29) added 73 runs to help South Africa reach 169-8.
However, it was not enough. New Zealand’s openers smashed 84 runs in the powerplay — one of the highest scores in this tournament — and South Africa had no answer to the Black Caps’ dominant performance.
