LIVE | Finn Allen, Tim Seifert smash hapless Proteas in T20 World Cup semi-final

New Zealand have qualified for the T20 World Cup final after smashing a hapless Proteas side by nine wickets in a dominant display in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Blackcaps opener Finn Allen smashed the fastest ever T20 World Cup century, as the New Zealanders chased the target of 170 in 12.5 overs. Allen (100 not out off 33 balls) and his fellow opener Tim Seifert (58 off 33) put on 117 for the first wicket, belting the South African bowlers all over the park.

Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada clean bowled Seifert, but the damage had been done. The 169 was not enough for the Proteas, who struggled on a pitch that played on the slower side at the start of the match.

Earlier, all-rounder Marco Jansen’s struck an unbeaten 55 off 30 balls to give the Proteas a fighting chance after they found themselves at 77/5. But in the end, the South Africans were outplayed in every department and will now head home, while the Kiwis will face India or England on Sunday’s final.

Full report to follow …