The first semi-final is done and dusted and New Zealand have emerged as the first finalist of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Black Caps put together an unbelievable performance against South Africa and tore them apart in every possible way. New Zealand won the toss and invited the Proteas to bat first and cleaned up their top order in no time.
Marco Jansen took South Africa to a respectable total with a late push, but it did not mean anything for the opposition. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert came on and sent almost every ball over the boundary line and pushed South Africa on the backfoot. The duo have formed the most successful partnership in this edition of the World Cup and have already 400 plus in partnerships.
Seifert scored 58 off 33 while his partner in crime Finn Allen toyed with the South African bowlers. Allen did not show any mercy for the bowling unit and dispatched every delivery out of the ground and in the process scored the fastest century in the history of the T20 World Cup. It took him just 33 balls to get to his 100 as New Zealand wrapped up a famous nine wicket win at the Eden Gardens.
What happened when they last reached the final?
New Zealand have reached the final of the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2021 ending a five year wait. The Kiwis will face the winner between India and England in the final on Sunday, March 8. Back in 2021, New Zealand faced off against Australia in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
It was Australia’s second T20 World Cup final while New Zealand’s very first. The Kiwis were asked to bat first by the Aussies and after losing an early wicket, skipper Kane Williamson came to New Zealand’s rescue with an impactful inning. Williamson scored 85 off 48 balls and helped his side get to a total of 172/4 at the end of 20 overs.
While the total seemed defendable, Australia came out all guns blazing and crushed New Zealand’s hopes. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh led the way for the men from down under to secure their first T20 World Cup title. Australia won the game by 8 wickets in Dubai and were crowned as the champions for the very first time.
