Brief scores: New Zealand (173/1 in 12.5 ov) beat South Africa (169/8 in 20 ov) by 9 wickets in Kolkata in the semifinal match.
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Finn Allen said New Zealand’s T20I series against India on Indian soil played a crucial role in preparing the Black Caps for the T20 World Cup. Although the Kiwis lost the five-match series 1-4, they have bounced back strongly to seal a place in the final of the global event.
On Wednesday, Mitchell Santner’s men thrashed South Africa by nine wickets in the semi-final at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, keeping their hopes of a maiden T20 World Cup title alive. Chasing a target of 170, New Zealand romped home with 43 balls to spare.
Allen, who was named Player of the Match, credited the bowlers for restricting the Proteas and highlighted how the experience of playing in India before the tournament helped the team adapt better to the conditions on the big stage.
“First of all, it was an extremely impressive start from our bowlers. They really set the game up for us. I think it also highlights the importance of the India series the boys played before the World Cup – five games on black-soil surfaces. That preparation helped a lot. It shows that as a team we rise to big occasions,” Allen said in the post-match press conference.
“In important fixtures, we’re ready for the fight and prepared to go right till the end. The bowlers, especially, showed that today,” Allen added.
ALLEN SHINES IN KOLKATA
Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, striking 10 fours and eight sixes, as New Zealand chased down 170 in 12.5 overs. He brought up his half-century in 19 deliveries and raced to his hundred in 33, breaking Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest century in the tournament’s history.
Earlier, South Africa posted 169 for eight, with Marco Jansen contributing a fighting half-century. However, Tim Seifert’s brisk 58 and Allen’s explosive knock ensured the Proteas were comprehensively outplayed. Allen sealed the victory with a straight drive for four, sending New Zealand into the final.
The Black Caps will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Suryakumar Yadav’s India and Harry Brook’s England in the title clash.
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