South Africa knocked out after 9-wicket loss to New Zealand

New Zealand has secured a place in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026. Thanks to Finn Allen's record-breaking century, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 9 wickets in the match played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.

South Africa's dream shattered once again

South Africa's dream has been shattered once again. Defending champions Africa entered this year's tournament as strong contenders after losing to India last time. However, New Zealand failed to achieve the target of 170 runs, and South Africa was once again eliminated from the tournament. The African players looked helpless after this defeat.

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen thrashed

Regarding the match, New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen gave New Zealand a blistering start, adding 117 runs for the first wicket in 9.1 overs. Seifert was dismissed for 58 off 33 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes.

Finn Allen's Storm

Following Seifert's dismissal, Finn Allen unleashed a storm in Kolkata. The right-handed batsman smashed a century off just 33 balls, the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. Allen reached an unbeaten 100 off 33 balls, including 8 sixes and 10 fours. The winning boundary came from Allen's bat. Ravindra remained unbeaten with him on 13 off 11 balls. New Zealand scored 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs to win the match by 9 wickets and advance to the final.

South Africa scored 169 runs

Earlier, after losing the toss and opting to bat first, South Africa scored 169 for 8 wickets. Marco Jansen top-scored for South Africa with an unbeaten 55 off 30 balls, including two fours and five sixes. Jansen and Stubbs (29) shared a 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

New Zealand's bowling was excellent.

New Zealand's bowling was excellent. For New Zealand, Matt Henry took 2 for 34 in 4 overs, Cole McConchie took 2 for 9 in 1 over, Lockie Ferguson took 1 for 29 in 4 overs, Nisham took 1 for 42 in 3 overs, and Rachin Ravindra took 2 for 29 in 4 overs.