India Crowned T20 World Champions After Crushing New Zealand
India crush New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to win their third T20 World Cup, powered by Samson’s 89 and Bumrah’s 4/15 in the final.
South Africa’s unbeaten run came to a crashing halt in the semi‑final, as New Zealand produced one of the most devastating batting displays in T20 World Cup history. Finn Allen’s record‑breaking century off just 33 balls powered the Black Caps to a nine‑wicket victory, ending South Africa’s hopes of reaching the final.
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Allen’s Record Knock
Allen ripped through South Africa’s feared pace attack, smashing 10 fours and eight sixes in an innings he described as “the innings of my life.” His hundred was the fastest in the history of the competition, and only two batters have ever scored quicker centuries in international T20 cricket. Partnered by Tim Seifert, who struck 58 off 33 balls, Allen ensured New Zealand’s chase of 170 was completed with 43 balls to spare.
South Africa’s Struggles
South Africa’s batting faltered early. Quinton de Kock fell for 10, Ryan Rickelton was dismissed for a duck, and captain Aidan Markram managed only 18 from 20 balls. David Miller’s six and Dewald Brevis’s 34 offered little resistance, leaving the Proteas reeling at 77‑5. Marco Jansen’s late fireworks — 55 not out from 30 balls, including five sixes — lifted them to 169‑8, but it proved far too little against New Zealand’s relentless openers.
Captains React
Markram admitted his side failed to adapt quickly enough:
“They bowled really well up front… when someone plays an innings like that against you, you won’t come out on the right side of the result too often.”
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner praised his team’s composure:
“We know how good South Africa are, so to put on a performance like that in a crunch game is pretty pleasing… 33 balls for a hundred’s not bad.”
Match Turning Points
- South Africa collapsed to 12‑2 in the second over.
- Jansen and Stubbs added 73 for the sixth wicket to salvage a competitive total.
- New Zealand’s openers blasted 117 in just 55 balls, effectively ending the contest.
- Allen’s blitz included five consecutive boundaries off Jansen, cementing his dominance.
South Africa, unbeaten until this point, were “marmalised” in the match that mattered most. New Zealand, meanwhile, march into the final with momentum and confidence, buoyed by Allen’s record‑breaking innings and a ruthless team performance.
