New Zealand outclass South Africa to reach T20 World Cup 2026 final

KOLKATA (Dunya News) – New Zealand booked their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final after defeating South Africa by nine wickets in a commanding semi-final performance at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Chasing 170, the Blackcaps cruised to victory with 43 balls to spare, powered by a breathtaking unbeaten century from Finn Allen and a fluent half-century by Tim Seifert.

Allen produced one of the most destructive knocks of the tournament, hammering an unbeaten 100 off just 33 deliveries, an innings decorated with 10 fours and eight sixes. His effort earned him the Player of the Match award as New Zealand overwhelmed the target with ease.

Dominant start

The chase was effectively sealed during a blistering opening partnership between Allen and Seifert. The pair piled on 117 runs in just nine overs, dismantling South Africa’s bowling attack and removing any early pressure from the pursuit.

Seifert provided the perfect foil with a brisk 58 off 33 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes before Kagiso Rabada finally broke the stand. By then, however, the damage had already been done.

Allen remained firmly in control after Seifert’s dismissal and continued to dictate terms. He brought up his third T20 International century in emphatic fashion and sealed the victory by driving Marco Jansen for four on the penultimate ball of the 13th over.

Rachin Ravindra stayed unbeaten on 13 from 11 deliveries as he shared an unbroken 56-run second-wicket stand with Allen to complete the formalities.

Rabada was the lone wicket-taker for South Africa in an otherwise difficult outing for the Proteas bowlers.

Proteas innings

Earlier, South Africa posted 169 for eight after being sent in to bat, with Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs staging a late recovery following early setbacks.

The Proteas endured a shaky start when Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton (0) were dismissed in the second over with only 12 runs on the board. Captain Aiden Markram attempted to stabilise the innings alongside Dewald Brevis as the pair added 43 runs for the third wicket.

Markram’s cautious knock ended on 18 off 20 balls when he fell to Ravindra in the eighth over. Ravindra struck again soon after, removing David Miller for six to deepen South Africa’s troubles.

James Neesham then dismissed Brevis, who top-scored at the time with 34 from 27 deliveries, leaving the Proteas struggling at 77 for five.

Late fightback

Jansen and Stubbs mounted a spirited counterattack, stitching together a 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket off just 46 balls to revive South Africa’s innings.

Stubbs contributed a steady 29 off 24 deliveries before Lockie Ferguson removed him at the start of the penultimate over. Jansen continued the assault until the finish, ending unbeaten on 55 from 30 balls, including five sixes and two fours.

Despite the late surge, South Africa’s total proved insufficient against New Zealand’s relentless batting display.

For New Zealand, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry and Ravindra claimed two wickets each, while Neesham and Ferguson picked up one apiece.