Cricket Live Score: Finn Allen’s 33-ball century and 24 off five balls propel New Zealand into T20 World Cup final
cricket live score — Finn Allen blasted a record 100 not out from 33 balls and hammered 24 runs from five balls to power New Zealand to a nine-wicket win over South Africa in the first semi-final in Kolkata on March 04, 2026, booking a place in Sunday’s final. South Africa posted 169-8 in 20 overs, Marco Jansen unbeaten on 55 off 30; New Zealand chased to 173-1 in 12. 5 overs with Tim Seifert making 58 off 33. The margin left New Zealand with 43 balls remaining.
Cricket Live Score: match summary and records
New Zealand’s chase was dominated by Allen’s explosive hundred — the fastest century in T20 World Cup history — reached in 33 balls and featuring 10 fours and eight sixes. He also produced a late burst of 24 runs from five balls that underscored the one-sided finish. Tim Seifert’s 58 off 33 provided a strong platform as the openers put on 117 in 55 balls for the first wicket, and Allen added a 56-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra in a devastating display.
South Africa recovered from 77-5 earlier in their innings to reach 169-8, thanks to a late surge from Marco Jansen, who finished unbeaten on 55 from 30 balls and struck five sixes in his knock. Dewald Brevis made 34 off 27 before being caught in the covers, and Tristan Stubbs contributed 29 off 24 in a recovery that fell short of defending the target.
The chase ended in 12. 5 overs, a dominant performance that bettered the previous T20WC fastest century benchmark and left New Zealand with 43 balls unused.
Immediate reactions
“I am sure my parents were up watching the whole game. Hopefully they are proud, ” said Finn Allen, New Zealand opener, reflecting on his century and the win. “It was an extremely impressive start from our bowlers. They set the game up for sure. I just looked to play a support role to Tim and if it was in my area I tried to hit it for four or six. He has shown the world what he can do and that made it easy for me to sit back and have the best seat in the house. It was good fun batting together. “
Quick context and what’s next
South Africa entered the match unbeaten in the tournament, including a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the initial group phase, but were unable to defend 169 after early batting collapses. New Zealand’s win secures them a spot in Sunday’s final.
Expect attention to shift to preparations for the final and team selection discussions as the tournament moves to its climax; fans tracking the tournament will want an updated cricket live score feed when the final is played to follow any further records or match-defining strikes.
