Finn Allen’s record ton blasts New Zealand past South Africa into T20 World Cup final

South Africa won every match they could afford to lose in this tournament and then lost the first one that they had to win.

They were completely marmalised by New Zealand, who won the first semi-final by nine wickets. Finn Allen ripped through South Africa’s feared fast bowling attack, and hit an unbeaten hundred off just 33 balls. It was the fastest century in the history of the competition, and, as Allen said himself, the innings of his life. Only two batters have ever hit a faster ton in international T20 cricket.

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New Zealand demolish South Africa to reach T20 World Cup cricket final – as it happened

Finn Allen’s riotous 33-ball century propelled New Zealand to a stunning victory in Kolkata

Two in two balls! Ryan Rickelton slashes his first ball – a bit of a long hop in truth – straight to backward point and walks off shaking his head.

The offspinner Cole McConchie takes the new ball for only the second time in the competition – and the plan pays off in spade. De Kock skipped down to hit a majestic four but pulled the next ball high in the air and was easily taken at mid-on by Lockie Ferguson. That’s the fourth time in this World Cup that De Kock has been out to an offspinner.

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