A sensational century by Finn Allen propelled New Zealand national cricket team into the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa national cricket team at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
New Zealand will now face the winner of the second semi-final between India national cricket team and England cricket team in the tournament final on March 8.
Allen was unstoppable at the crease, hammering ten fours and eight sixes during his remarkable innings. His 33-ball hundred became the fastest century in the history of the Men's T20 World Cup and sealed the win for New Zealand with 43 balls remaining.
South Africa, who had entered the match unbeaten in the tournament, were completely outplayed by a dominant New Zealand side.
Chasing a target of 170, the Black Caps got off to a flying start, scoring 84 runs without losing a wicket during the powerplay. It was the second-highest powerplay total of the tournament, just behind India's 86/1 against Namibia.
Allen went on the attack against Corbin Bosch, smashing a six and four consecutive boundaries in the sixth over to collect 22 runs.
Even after the powerplay restrictions ended, Allen and Tim Seifert continued to dominate the bowling. Seifert reached his half-century in 28 balls, while Allen brought up his fifty in just 19 balls — one of the fastest of the tournament.
South Africa finally got a breakthrough when Kagiso Rabada dismissed Seifert. However, Seifert had already played a crucial role, scoring 58 off 33 balls with seven fours and two sixes.
Earlier in the match, a powerful half-century from Marco Jansen helped South Africa post a competitive total of 169 for eight.
Coming in during a difficult phase, Jansen changed the momentum with a blistering 55 off 30 balls, striking two fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 183.33.
New Zealand had opted to bowl first and struck early blows. Off-spinner Cole McConchie removed both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, leaving South Africa struggling at 12/2.
A recovery attempt followed as Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis added 43 runs for the third wicket. They attacked Jimmy Neesham, taking 17 runs in the fifth over to help South Africa reach 48/2 in the powerplay.
Markram's innings ended when Daryl Mitchell took a sharp catch. David Miller was dropped by Glenn Phillips but was later dismissed, again caught by Mitchell.
Brevis looked comfortable at the crease but was dismissed for 34 after chipping the ball to cover.
South Africa regained some momentum through a 73-run partnership between Tristan Stubbs and Jansen. Using his height and power effectively, Jansen smashed back-to-back sixes off Lockie Ferguson to bring up his half-century.
Jansen eventually remained unbeaten on 55 off 30 balls, giving South Africa a respectable total to defend, though it proved insufficient against Allen's extraordinary batting display.