KOLKATA: In the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand defeated South Africa by nine wickets to secure a place in the final.
The match was played in Kolkata, where New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to field first.
South Africa posted 169 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Marco Jansen remained unbeaten on 55 runs. Other notable contributions came from Dewald Brevis (34), Tristan Stubbs (29), Aiden Markram (18), Quinton de Kock (10), and David Miller (6).
For New Zealand, Matt Henry, Devon Conway (likely referred to as McConchie in the original report), and Rachin Ravindra claimed two wickets each.
In reply, New Zealand chased down the target comfortably in just 13 overs, losing only one wicket. Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert laid the foundation with explosive batting.
Finn Allen scored the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, reaching his hundred in just 33 balls, including 10 fours and 8 sixes. Tim Seifert contributed 58 runs, while Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 13.
The second semi-final will be played between India and England cricket team in Mumbai.
