New Zealand’s star batsman Finn Allen smashed the fastest T20I century in the T20I World Cup 2026 semi-final clash against South Africa. Finn Allen played like a beast and broke multiple records, guiding his team to reach the final of the ongoing marquee tournament.
Finn Allen led New Zealand’s incredible chase at Eden Gardens, taking less than 13 overs to reach the 170-run target. South Africa had come into the match unbeaten, including a win over New Zealand in the group stage, but their plans quickly fell apart thanks to a massive opening stand from Allen and Tim Seifert.
The pair scored 84 runs in the power play. Allen hit five straight boundaries off Corbin Bosch in the sixth over. Seifert reached his fifty-first, taking 28 balls and getting there with a four off Lungi Ngidi. Allen followed in the next over, scoring a 19-ball fifty – the joint fastest in the 2026 T20 World Cup so far. During his stellar knock, Finn smashed 10 fours and 8 sixes, and later, he won the Player of the Match award for his historic knock.
Jofra Archer’s Old Tweet Makes a Comeback
Meanwhile, as the social media has been buzzing with amazing reactions to Finn Allen’s historic knock, star England pacer Jofra Archer’s 13-year-old tweet, where he mentioned a ‘Finn’, has resurfaced and gone viral on social media.
Well, back in March 2013, Archer had tweeted: “Raise that bat Finn”
Check out the Tweet:
Raise that bat Finn
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) March 10, 2013
At the time, many assumed he was referring to former England medium-pacer Steven Finn, who had scored 56 off 203 deliveries while batting at No. 3 in a Test against New Zealand in Dunedin. Now, the tweet has gained a new lease of life thanks to Finn Allen’s explosive performance.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, controlled the match from start to finish. They kept South Africa to a below-par 169/8, with spinners Cole McConchie and Rachin Ravindra taking two wickets each and slowing down the scoring.
New Zealand Marches to the Final
South Africa had a brief glimmer of hope when Jansen scored 54 off 30 balls, but it quickly faded. Newly-signed Kolkata Knight Riders openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen tore through the chase, putting together a 117-run partnership in just nine overs. Their aggressive batting completely overwhelmed the South Africans.
This win takes New Zealand to their second T20 World Cup final since 2021, when they lost to Australia. In the final, they will face either defending champions India or the 2022 winners England.
If India manages to defeat England in Mumbai on Thursday, it will set up a repeat of last year’s Champions Trophy final.
