New Zealand celebrated a commanding Blackcaps T20 World Cup semi-final victory over South Africa, booking their place in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chasing 170, the Blackcaps reached the target with nine wickets in hand and 43 balls to spare, thanks to a spectacular opening partnership between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.
Allen was the star of the innings, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls with 10 fours and eight sixes, marking his third T20I century. Seifert supported him brilliantly, scoring 58 from 33 deliveries, helping New Zealand reach 117 runs for the first wicket before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada. Allen then guided his team home with a four off Marco Jansen on the penultimate ball of the 13th over.
Rachin Ravindra added a quick 13 not out to finish the innings alongside Allen. Rabada was South Africa’s only wicket-taker in the match.
Earlier, South Africa posted 169/8 in their 20 overs, recovering partially thanks to Marco Jansen’s unbeaten 55 off 30 balls and a 73-run sixth-wicket stand with Tristan Stubbs. However, early setbacks saw the Proteas lose Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton cheaply, and middle-order contributions from Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, and David Miller were curtailed by incisive bowling from Rachin Ravindra, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, and Lockie Ferguson.
The Blackcaps T20 World Cup semi-final victory was built on aggressive batting, smart partnerships, and disciplined bowling. New Zealand now looks forward to the final with momentum and confidence after a dominant performance against a spirited South African side.