Kolkata witnessed cricketing fireworks as Finn Allen rewrote the T20 World Cup record books. The New Zealand opener’s blistering 33-ball unbeaten century against South Africa in the semi-final has overshadowed legends like Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Facing a target of 170, Allen opened with ruthless aggression. His 100 came off 10 boundaries and 8 sixes, leaving the Proteas’ bowling unit in tatters. Previously, Gayle’s 47-ball hundred against England in 2016 held the mark, while Dilshan’s 96* in the 2009 semi-final was the knockout benchmark. Allen now owns both.
South Africa, electing to bat first after losing the toss, managed 169/8 thanks to Jansen’s gritty 55. But New Zealand’s response was clinical: 173/1 in 12.5 overs. Seifert’s 58 provided solid support, and Ravindra’s quick 13* sealed the 9-wicket romp. Allen joins an elite Kiwi list with McCullum and Phillips as T20 WC centurions.
Player of the Match Allen’s innings wasn’t just about numbers; it was a statement of intent. As New Zealand gears up for the final, the cricket world marvels at this 25-year-old’s meteoric rise, signaling a new era of explosive T20 batting.