First Semi-Final ,Eden Garden, Kolkatta
South Africa 169-8(20 overs): Jansen 55(30 balls), Brevis 34(27 balls): MoConchie 2 wkts(19 runs), Ravindra 2 wkts(29 runs)
New Zealand 173-1(12.5 overs): Allen 100(33 balls), Seifert 58(33 balls): Rabada 1 wkts(28 runs)
New Zealand won by 9 wickets and entered to the final.
Scorecard
In an amazing nine-wicket victory in Kolkata, New Zealand crushed South Africa and advanced to the finals. Finn Allen set the record for the quickest T20 World Cup hundred after smashing the hundred in 33 balls, as South Africa crumbled before New Zealand.
As of this year’s World Cup, South Africa had won seven matches, including beating New Zealand by seven wickets in the first round on Valentine’s Day at the group stage, furthering their head-to-head record against the Kiwis to 5-0 in T20 World Cups.
However, Aiden Markram’s side faltered at back-to-back finals – sinking to India in the Caribbean in 2024 – as New Zealand breezed past a target of 170 in a mere 12.5 overs, courtesy of a scorching opening partnership of 117 in 55 balls between Allen (100no off 33) and Tim Seifert (58 off 33) at Eden Gardens.
Jansen’s knock of 55 runs off 30 balls, which helped South Africa recover from 77-5 to 169-8, was in vain as New Zealand booked a spot in Ahmedabad’s Sunday final and extended their hope for the first T20 World Cup title.
The Black Caps will face the winner of today’s semi-final between England and India in Mumbai. Both India and England have won the T20 World Cup twice before.
