SA vs NZ 1st Semi-Final Live: Finn Allen Blazes 65 as NZ Storms to 137/1 in 11 Overs

Chasing 170, New Zealand’s openers wasted no time asserting dominance. Tim Seifert scored 58 off 33 balls, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes before being dismissed at 9.1 overs. Finn Allen remained unbeaten on 65 off just 25 deliveries, smashing 6 fours and 5 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 260. The pair put on a devastating partnership that dismantled the Proteas attack, with Finn Allen 65 already signaling a massive impact in the innings.

The first 50 runs came in just 4.1 overs, with Seifert scoring 31 and Allen 20, setting a punishing pace. By the end of the 6-over powerplay, New Zealand had raced to 84/0, leaving South Africa completely on the back foot.

South Africa’s Bowlers Under Pressure

The Proteas attack struggled to contain the openers. Marco Jansen was the most expensive, conceding 29 runs in 2 overs. Kagiso Rabada went for 28 in 3 overs, Lungi Ngidi 22 in 2 overs, and Corbin Bosch leaked 35 runs in his 2 overs. Even Keshav Maharaj was unable to slow the scoring, giving away 21 runs. New Zealand’s aggressive start saw them maintain a run rate of 12.45 after 11 overs, dominating every department.

Match Flow

Seifert and Allen’s partnership reached 117 runs in just 9.1 overs before Seifert fell, but Allen continued his onslaught with Rachin Ravindra (12* off 8 balls) joining him at the crease. The Black Caps are now in the driver’s seat, cruising toward their target of 170 with 9 wickets in hand and almost half their overs remaining.

With this commanding performance, New Zealand has put immense pressure on South Africa in the SA vs NZ 1st Semi-Final of the T20 World Cup 2026, signaling a potential early finish unless the Proteas fight back fiercely.