In SA vs NZ match, The “Kiwi Power” was on full display in Kolkata today! New Zealand didn’t just beat South Africa; they dismantled them. In a chase that felt more like a video game than a World Cup semi-final, the BlackCaps booked their ticket to Ahmedabad with a clinical 9-wicket victory.
Finn Allen’s 33-Ball Century
The story of the match was Finn Allen. He didn’t just play an innings; he unleashed a storm.
- The Record: Allen smashed a century in just 33 balls, making it the fastest century in T20 World Cup history.
- The Carnage: He finished with 100* (off 33 balls), including 10 fours and 8 massive sixes.
- Opening Brilliance: Along with Tim Seifert (58 off 33), Allen put on a 117-run opening stand in just 9 overs, effectively ending the contest before the drinks break.
SA vs NZ Semi-Final
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
| South Africa | 169/8 (20 overs) | Marco Jansen (55*), Dewald Brevis (34) |
| New Zealand | 173/1 (12.5 overs) | Finn Allen (100)*, Tim Seifert (58) |
Result: New Zealand won by 9 wickets (with 43 balls to spare).
How the Match Unfolded
1. Proteas Struggle Early
After New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl, South Africa’s top order crumbled under the pressure of the big stage. They were reeling at 12/2 within two overs and later 77/5.
2. Marco Jansen’s Rescue Act
It was Marco Jansen who gave South Africa a fighting chance. His gritty 55 off 30 balls* helped the Proteas post 169. At the mid-innings break, many thought 170 would be a tricky total on the Eden Gardens surface.
3. The Kiwi Hurricane
Any hope South Africa had was quickly erased. Finn Allen took 22 runs in a single over against Corbin Bosch during the Powerplay. New Zealand reached 100 in just 7.5 overs, leaving Aiden Markram’s side with no answers.
What’s Next? The Grand Final
New Zealand has now qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026 Final, which will be played this Sunday in Ahmedabad.
- Who will they play? They will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and England (scheduled for today, March 5).
- Historical Moment: This is New Zealand’s chance to win their first-ever T20 World Cup trophy after several heartbreaks in previous editions.
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