South Africa vs New Zealand T20 World Cup: Kiwis crash Proteas' party, soar in Eden Gardens – Action in Images

Expectations of a close contest were dashed as Finn Allen destroyed the more-fancied South Africans to take the Kiwis to the World Cup final with a 33-ball ton.

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Published on Mar 04, 2026 11:31 pm IST 10 Photos
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South Africa were considered favourites heading into the semifinal – but nobody told Finn Allen that. The New Zealand opener walloped a record 100* off 33 deliveries, helping the Kiwis chase down 170 in just 12.5 overs, taking them through to the final. A demolition in Kolkata – and one which has left everyone scratching their eyes.(Sportz Asia)

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The start was immediate and impactful for New Zealand. Turning to spin early to target Quinton de Kock's weakness, Cole McConchie struck to remove the southpaw – and followed it up with the wicket of Ryan Rickelton on the very next ball. Two overs in, and New Zealand had the early advantage.(PTI)

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A key turning point was a controversial catch decision made by the third umpire, ajudging that Daryl Mitchell got his fingers underneath the ball to dismiss Aiden Markram. Markram has been South Africa's in-form batter, but his stay was not very fluent, and brought to an end early – moving the tide of the game in NZ's favour.(PTI)

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Rachin Ravindra has suddenly turned into a gun bowler for New Zealand. He continued his form with two more wickets on the night – and two important ones too, removing first Aiden Markram, then adding David Miller to his list despite the matchup. His spin coming along very nicely.(PTI)

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Dewald Brevis enjoyed a strong, impactful tournament, and continued his ways as he restructured with 34(27). However, as has been the case for Brevis, he wasn't able to translate his good start into a bigger score, falling to James Neesham to earn the Kiwis a key wicket.(AP)

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