SA VS NZ: Finn Allen’s unbeaten century powers New Zealand to qualify for T20 World Cup final

KOLKATA: Top order Finn Allen’s unbeaten century powered New Zealand to qualify for T20 World Cup final after defeating so far unbeaten Proteas in SA VS NZ semi final here tonight.

SA VS NZ semi final live clash saw Finn scoring a 100 off 33 balls, studded with 10 fours and 8 sixes during the match. His massive stay at crease boosted the team’s moral, giving a massive confidence to Tim Seifert to score 58. Seifert’s 33-ball 58 also featured 7 fours and 2 massive sixes before being downed.

NZ didn’t feel any pressure as only 15 runs were left when Rachin Ravindra came in to maintain the rhythm after the fall of the position-one. Thanks to Rachin’s 13-run input and costly 2 runs in extra conceded by SA’s bowlers, the team were gained a 9-wicket massive victory to qualify for the most awaited T20 World Cup final.

The opponent team can either be England or the co-hosts and the World Cup defending India, as any of these team can be expected to come forward to play against NZ. However, probability depict Men in Blue with upper hand to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. ENG VS IND clash will take place tomorrow (Thursday) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, while the final match of the WC will take place on March eight in Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

During the SA VS NZ clash tonight, the winning team NZ delivered a commanding start in their pursuit of a 170-run target against South Africa. The top order batting line raced to an unbeaten 70 without loss in the the first five overs, which changed the clash directions.

After South Africa posted 169-8 in their allotted 20 overs, New Zealand’s opening pair came out with clear intent. The chase began aggressively, with crisp stroke play and smart running between the wickets putting immediate pressure on the South African bowlers.

Earlier, South Africa fought hard to put up a competitive total. Contributions came from the middle order, with Marco Jansen playing a standout knock of 55 runs, while Dewald Brevis added a valuable 34. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, South Africa managed to reach 169-8 , a score that looked defendable on a semi-final pitch.

However, New Zealand’s response shifted the momentum dramatically. The openers displayed composure mixed with calculated aggression, capitalizing on loose deliveries and rotating strike effectively. The unbeaten 70-run stand not only kept the required run rate under control but also dented South Africa’s confidence in the field.

With wickets in hand and the asking rate manageable, New Zealand appeared firmly in control of the 170-run chase. South Africa, on the other hand, faced mounting pressure to break the partnership and pull themselves back into the contest.

Earlier as the semi-final unfolded, the momentum clearly tilted toward the Black Caps, who looked determined to book their place in the final with a dominant batting display.

Playing XIs

Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (captain), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Cole McConchie