Finn Allen Shatters Records with Fastest Century in T20 World Cup Semi-Final
Finn Allen Shatters Records with Fastest Century in T20 World Cup Semi-Final
In a stunning display of batting prowess, Finn Allen scored an unbeaten century off just 33 balls during the T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa on March 4, 2026, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This remarkable achievement not only led New Zealand to victory but also established Allen as a record-breaker in the tournament’s history.
Allen’s 33-ball century is now the fastest in T20 World Cup history, surpassing the previous record held by Chris Gayle, who achieved a 47-ball century in 2016. This performance has cemented Allen’s status as one of the most explosive players in the format, as he also shares third place for the fastest T20I century overall.
In his innings, Allen struck 10 fours and 8 sixes, demonstrating his aggressive batting style. His first fifty came off a mere 19 balls, while he reached his second fifty in just 14 balls, showcasing an extraordinary acceleration in scoring that left the South African bowlers struggling to contain him.
Prior to this match, South Africa had been on a winning streak, having won all seven of their matches in the tournament. They had also maintained a 5-0 all-time T20 World Cup record against New Zealand, making Allen’s performance even more significant. Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, expressed his surprise at the outcome, stating, “We were very happy with 170 going into the break, but in T20 you never know.”
Aiden Markram, the South African captain, reflected on the defeat, saying, “It feels like we’ve been slapped in the face,” highlighting the unexpected nature of the match. Allen’s explosive batting not only turned the tide in favor of New Zealand but also left a lasting impression on the tournament.
With his score of 100 not out, Allen achieved the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup knockout match, further solidifying his place in cricket history. His performance has sparked discussions about the potential for future records to be set in the T20 format.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Allen and New Zealand perform in the final. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the impact of this victory on the team’s morale and strategy moving forward.
