CALCUTTA: New Zealand produced a ruthless display as a record-breaking 33-ball century from local hero Finn Allen dismantled South Africa and sealed a nine-wicket victory to storm into the T20 World Cup final on Wednesday.
He reached the triple-figure mark in only 33 balls – the fastest ton in T20 World Cups and the joint third-fastest in all T20Is. Allen’s 33-ball ton surpassed Chris Gayle’s 47-ball century vs England at the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Allen, set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders in three weeks’ time, unleashed a breathtaking assault, smashing 10 fours and 8 sixes to anchor a remarkable chase of 170 in just 12.5 overs. The blistering hundred — the fastest in T20 World Cup history — left the South African side stunned and spectators in awe.
At Eden Gardens, Allen showcased extraordinary power and precision, planting his front foot with authority and striking the ball with the clean timing of a seasoned professional. Deliveries vanished into the stands as he turned the chase into a one-man spectacle, underlining New Zealand’s dominance on the big stage.
