New Zealand’s journey to the semi-finals was filled with uncertainty and anxious moments. On Saturday, the team closely followed the outcome of the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match, hoping the result would open the door for them to sneak into the last four. At the same time, fast bowler Matt Henry was travelling back home from Colombo for the birth of his second child, leaving New Zealand waiting nervously for the return of their bowling spearhead ahead of the crucial knockout clash.

However, when the semi-final arrived on Wednesday, there was nothing uncertain about New Zealand’s performance. They delivered a commanding display to knock out an unbeaten South African side and secure a place in their second men’s T20 World Cup final.

With Henry back in the attack, New Zealand’s bowlers produced a disciplined effort on a slower-than-usual Eden Gardens surface, restricting South Africa to 169 for 8. That total quickly proved insufficient once the chase began, as Finn Allen produced a breathtaking innings that completely turned the game on its head.

Allen dominated the contest with a stunning 33-ball century — the fastest hundred in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup — dismantling the South African bowling attack and making the target look trivial. As he celebrated his remarkable milestone at the crease, Tim Seifert, his partner in New Zealand’s explosive top order, punched the air in delight from the dugout.

The ruthless display ensured New Zealand wrapped up the chase with ease, winning by nine wickets with more than seven overs to spare in a statement victory that sealed their place in the tournament final.