New Zealand opener Finn Allen delivered one of the most explosive innings in T20 cricket history, smashing a breathtaking century off just 33 balls during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa. The remarkable knock helped New Zealand defeat South Africa convincingly and secure a place in the tournament final.
Allen’s record-breaking innings came at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where the aggressive opener dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack with fearless strokeplay. The Kiwi star reached his hundred in only 33 deliveries, surpassing the previous fastest century record in T20 World Cup history.
The previous record belonged to West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who had scored a century in 47 balls during the 2016 T20 World Cup. Allen’s achievement not only broke that mark but also became the fastest hundred ever scored in a men’s T20 World Cup match.
Record-Breaking Innings Full of Boundaries
Allen’s sensational innings included 10 fours and eight sixes, as he dominated the South African bowling attack from the start. Out of the 33 balls he faced, more than half ended at or beyond the boundary, highlighting the destructive nature of his batting.
He reached his fifty in just 19 balls, the fastest half-century by a New Zealand player in the tournament, before racing to his century in another 14 deliveries.
The innings also helped New Zealand chase down South Africa’s target of around 170 runs in less than 13 overs, sealing a commanding nine-wicket victory in the knockout match.
Allen shared a powerful opening partnership with wicketkeeper batter Tim Seifert, who scored 58 runs, putting the Proteas bowlers under pressure early in the chase.
Rohit Sharma’s Record Surpassed
Allen’s stunning knock also eclipsed a major record previously held by Rohit Sharma. The Indian star had jointly held the fastest T20 International century record among full-member nations with a 35-ball hundred. Allen’s 33-ball ton moved ahead of that mark and became the fastest against a full-member side.
The innings now ranks among the fastest centuries in all T20 international cricket. It is also the joint third-fastest hundred in overall T20I history, placing Allen among the most destructive hitters in the format.
A Career Highlight for the Kiwi Opener
Allen has built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most aggressive T20 batters. Since making his debut, the right-hander has played in multiple domestic leagues and franchise tournaments around the world, including the IPL, Big Bash League and Major League Cricket.
His fearless approach at the top of the order has made him a key player in New Zealand’s white-ball setup. The 33-ball century now stands as the highlight of his international career and one of the greatest innings in T20 World Cup history.
With the victory over South Africa, New Zealand advanced to the final and kept alive hopes of winning their first T20 World Cup title.
