New Zealand advanced to the ICC T20 World Cup final, defeating South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final match on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
The Black Caps chased down South Africa’s total of 170 runs with 43 balls to spare at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, securing their place in the championship game. A blistering century from Finn Allen powered New Zealand to a dominant victory.
Allen’s remarkable innings of 100 runs off just 33 balls led the charge, as New Zealand surpassed the target with ease.
Into the Final!
The fastest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup century ever from Finn Allen (100* off 33) leads the chase in Kolkata 🔥 #T20WorldCup | 📸 = ICC/Getty pic.twitter.com/TUfYc5k48u
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 4, 2026
South Africa had entered the semi-final with an undefeated record through the group stage and Super 8, but their tournament run ended in defeat.
With South Africa’s loss, a record established by Rohit Sharma in 2024 remains intact: he is still the only captain to win a World Cup without a single loss. The result confirms that Sharma’s historic achievement will not be challenged in this tournament.
രോഹിത് ശര്മ ലോകകിരീടവുമായി
South Africa’s defeat, combined with the fact that India and the remaining three teams have all suffered losses in the tournament, ensures Sharma’s record remains safe.
India, who went undefeated in the group stage, fell to South Africa in their first Super 8 match. England suffered a loss to the West Indies in the group stage, but advanced to the semi-finals with an unblemished record in the Super 8. New Zealand, meanwhile, experienced one loss in both the group stage and the Super 8.
After losing the toss and electing to bat, South Africa struggled to build momentum. Marco Jansen’s half-century proved crucial, helping the Proteas reach a competitive total.
What a sublime innings! 😎
Marco Jansen delivers a half-century of the highest quality under intense pressure in the Semi-Final! 💪🏏
Ewe Plankie, maan! 🇿🇦#Unbreakable #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/fHa5fIUdPn
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 4, 2026
The star all-rounder scored 55 runs off 30 balls, remaining not out. Dewald Brevis contributed 34 runs, and Tristan Stubbs added 29.
South Africa finished their innings at 169 for eight wickets.
For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, and Cole McConchie each took two wickets, even as Lockie Ferguson and Jimmy Neesham claimed one wicket apiece.
In response, New Zealand’s opening partnership set the tone with a century stand. When the first wicket fell, the openers had already combined for 117 runs. Allen then partnered with Rachin Ravindra to guide the Kiwis to victory.
Content highlight: Rohit Sharma’s record of being the only captain to win the World Cup without losing a single match will not be broken in this World Cup.
