Finn Allen scored the fastest century in T20 World Cup history as New Zealand thrashed South Africa by nine wickets to reach the final.

Allen made an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, clinching an emphatic victory with a boundary as the Black Caps chased down a target of 170 with 43 deliveries to spare.

New Zealand were off to a flying start after winning the toss and choosing to bowl as Quinton de Kock (10) and Ryan Rickelton (0) were dismissed in back-to-back deliveries by Cole McConchie (2-9) in the second over.

Aiden Markram (18) and David Miller (6) were removed cheaply by Rachin Ravindra (2-29), though Marco Jansen's unbeaten 55 of 30 seemed to give the Proteas some hope in Kolkata.

However, that optimism was soon dashed as Allen and Tim Seifert (58 off 33) made a blistering start in the New Zealand innings, smashing 84 without loss in the powerplay.

Seifert was eventually bowled by Kagiso Rabada (1-28), but there was no stopping Allen, who scored the final 24 runs off five balls, and the Black Caps will face either England or India in Sunday's showpiece.

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

Data Debrief: Allen books final spot in style

Allen hit 10 fours and eight maximums in what was a scintillating knock, with the latter the most by a New Zealand player in a single innings at the men's T20 World Cup.

His century surpassed Chris Gayle's previous record for fastest ton in the competition (47 balls versus England in 2016), while Allen also scored the joint-third fastest century in T20I history.

New Zealand's 84-0 is the highest powerplay total in a men's T20 World Cup knockout match, passing England's 67-0 against the Black Caps themselves in the 2016 semi-final.

There were mixed emotions for Jansen, who scored a career-high 55 not out in T20Is, but also conceded 53 runs with the ball, the most by a South African player in a T20 World Cup match.