In the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 9 wickets to book their place in the final.
In the match played in Kolkata, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and invited South Africa to bat first.
South Africa scored 169 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with Marco Jansen remaining unbeaten on 55. Aiden Markram made 18, Quinton de Kock scored 10, Dewald Brevis added 34, David Miller scored 6, and Tristan Stubbs made 29. For New Zealand, Matt Henry, McConchie, and Rachin Ravindra claimed two wickets each.
New Zealand chased down the target in the 13th over with the loss of just one wicket, thanks to explosive batting from Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.
Kiwi opener Finn Allen scored the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, reaching his hundred off just 33 balls, including 10 fours and 8 sixes.
Tim Seifert contributed 58 runs, while Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 13.
Previously, the record for the fastest century in T20 World Cup history was held by former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle, who scored a 47-ball hundred against England in 2016.
It is worth mentioning that the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup will be played tomorrow between India and England in Mumbai.
Playing XI
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (capt), James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson
South Africa: Aiden Markram (capt), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi
