Cricket Live — Allen’s century sends New Zealand into T20 World Cup final
In cricket live coverage from Eden Gardens, Finn Allen’s unbeaten 100 off 33 balls propelled New Zealand to a nine-wicket victory over South Africa, the Black Caps winning with 43 balls to spare in the T20 World Cup semi-final.
Cricket Live: Key takeaways from Eden Gardens
Allen’s innings was the defining feature of a one-sided chase. New Zealand moved aggressively early, posting the tournament’s second-highest powerplay score at 84 for 0, and then closed out the match emphatically. The win hands New Zealand a place in the final, where they will face either India or England.
Match details and turning points
- Finn Allen: unbeaten 100 off 33 balls, the decisive contribution in the chase.
- Result: New Zealand won by nine wickets, finishing the chase with 43 balls remaining.
- Powerplay: New Zealand scored 84 for 0, the second-highest powerplay total of the tournament.
- South Africa innings: Brevis made 34 before a poor shot left the Proteas at 77 for 5; Markram was dropped when on 3 and went on to make 18.
- South Africa resistance: Jansen produced a 27-ball half-century that offered a late rescue attempt.
- New Zealand bowling: McConchie took two wickets in two balls as South Africa made an early, damaging start.
What happens next?
New Zealand will meet the winner of the second semi-final in Sunday’s final. The remaining semi-final between India and England will decide their opponent, with that match scheduled to be played at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. For cricket live audiences, the contrast between Allen’s explosive innings and South Africa’s mid-innings collapse will frame expectations for the showpiece.
Voices from the dressing room
New Zealand captain Mitch Santner reflected on the performance: “It was nice. We knew how good South Africa are and they’ve shown it throughout this tournament. To get a good performance like that against them is pleasing. Every time you lose a game, you are learning from it. We weren’t as good as we could have been in defeat [to South Africa] in the group stage. But today was about trying to chop and change during bowling because the wicket was good. It was a short ground with fast outfield. “
The margin and manner of victory leave New Zealand in strong touch heading into the final, while South Africa will take lessons from moments of recovery and collapse alike as they reflect on a semi-final exit.
