Finn Allen has etched his name into cricket history with a breathtaking 33-ball century, the quickest ever recorded at a T20 World Cup.
The New Zealand opener's extraordinary knock obliterated the previous benchmark of 47 deliveries, set by West Indies legend Chris Gayle.
Allen's devastating display powered the Black Caps to a comprehensive nine-wicket triumph over South Africa in Wednesday's semi-final at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
The explosive innings left the Proteas' bowling attack in tatters as New Zealand secured their passage to a second T20 World Cup final in emphatic fashion.
Pursuing a target of 170, New Zealand made light work of the chase, crossing the finish line with a remarkable 43 balls still unused.
Allen remained unbeaten on 100, his brutal assault comprising 10 boundaries and eight maximums that scattered into the Kolkata crowd.
The 25-year-old's third T20 international century followed previous three-figure scores against Scotland in 2022 and Pakistan in 2024.
South Africa had entered the knockout fixture undefeated in the tournament, having beaten New Zealand by seven wickets during the group stage.
Finn Allen has etched his name into cricket history with a breathtaking 33-ball century
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However, the defending runners-up found themselves utterly powerless against Allen's relentless onslaught on Wednesday evening.
Tim Seifert matched his opening partner's ferocity, contributing a rapid 58 from 33 deliveries at the other end.
Together, the pair constructed a devastating first-wicket stand worth 117 runs from just 55 balls, effectively ending the contest before the halfway mark of the innings.
The powerplay alone yielded 84 runs for New Zealand, setting the tone for what became a procession.
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The New Zealand opener's extraordinary knock obliterated the previous benchmark of 47 deliveries
|GETTY
Allen then shifted into an even higher gear during his partnership with Rachin Ravindra, plundering 42 runs from a mere 11 balls.
His demolition of Marco Jansen proved particularly savage, dispatching the South African all-rounder for five consecutive boundaries to seal the emphatic victory.
South Africa's innings had threatened to unravel completely after losing the toss, slumping to 12 for two when Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton departed to successive deliveries in the second over.
South Africa had entered the knockout fixture undefeated in the tournament
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Captain Aiden Markram managed just 18 from 20 balls, while David Miller contributed only six, both having been dropped on three.
At 77 for five, the Proteas appeared destined for a meagre total, but Jansen's unbeaten 55 from 30 balls, featuring five sixes, provided late impetus.
His sixth-wicket partnership of 73 with Tristan Stubbs lifted South Africa to 169 for eight, though it proved woefully insufficient against Allen's brilliance.
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