Finn Allen's record century takes New Zealand past South Africa into the T20 World Cup 2026 final
New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 4 March 2026, with Finn Allen scoring the fastest century in men's T20 World Cup history.
Summary
New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 4 March 2026. South Africa recovered from 77 for 5 to 169 for 8, helped by Marco Jansen's unbeaten 55 off 30 balls, while Rachin Ravindra took 2 for 29. New Zealand reached 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs, with 43 balls to spare. Finn Allen made 100 not out off 33 balls, which the ICC called the fastest century in men's T20 World Cups, and Tim Seifert scored 58. The defeat ended South Africa's unbeaten run in the tournament, and the ICC noted that New Zealand reached their second men's T20 World Cup final, after 2021.
Key facts
- Date and venue
- 4 March 2026, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Stage
- 1st semi-final
- Result
- New Zealand 173/1 (12.5 ov) beat South Africa 169/8 by 9 wickets
- Record
- Finn Allen 100* off 33 balls — fastest century in men's T20 World Cups
- Others
- Marco Jansen 55* (30); Tim Seifert 58; Rachin Ravindra 2/29
- Milestone
- New Zealand's second men's T20 World Cup final (first in 2021)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which team did New Zealand beat in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on 4 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — South Africa
New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets, ending South Africa's unbeaten run in the tournament.
Finn Allen's unbeaten 100 in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, the fastest century in men's T20 World Cups, came off how many balls?
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Correct answer: B — 33
Allen made 100 not out off 33 balls, with 10 fours and eight sixes according to BBC Sport.
Consider the following statements about the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: 1. New Zealand chased the target with 43 balls to spare. 2. It was New Zealand's first appearance in a men's T20 World Cup final. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: New Zealand made 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs. The ICC noted it would be their second men's T20 World Cup final, after 2021.