Finn Allen Makes History with Record-Breaking Century in T20 World Cup Semi-Final
New Zealand Advances to T20 World Cup Final
In a thrilling encounter on March 4, New Zealand triumphed over South Africa in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026, held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This victory secured their spot in the final, which is set to take place in Ahmedabad on March 8. The match was dominated by the exceptional performance of Finn Allen, the opening batter and wicketkeeper, who delivered a breathtaking century. His remarkable innings not only earned him the Player of the Match title but also etched his name in the record books by breaking several world records.
Finn Allen scored an impressive 100 runs off just 33 balls, making him the first player ever to achieve a century during the knockout stage of the T20 World Cup. The previous record for the highest score in a semi-final was held by Sri Lanka's Tilakaratne Dilshan, who scored 96 against the West Indies in 2009.
Here are the top scores in T20 World Cup history:
- 100* - Finn Allen vs SA, Kolkata, 2026 Semi-Final
- 96* - Tillakaratne Dilshan vs WI, The Oval, 2009 Semi-Final
- 89* - Virat Kohli vs WI, Mumbai WS, 2016 Semi-Final
- 86* - Alex Hales vs IND, Adelaide, 2022 Semi-Final
- 85* - Marlon Samuels vs ENG, Kolkata, 2016 Final
- 85 - Kane Williamson vs AUS, Dubai, 2021 Final
Fastest Century in T20 World Cup History
Finn Allen's century, achieved in just 33 balls, is now the fastest in T20 World Cup history, surpassing the previous record held by Chris Gayle, who scored a century in 47 balls against England in 2016 at Wankhede Stadium. Additionally, this remarkable feat marks the quickest century by a New Zealand player in T20I history, breaking the record previously set by Glenn Phillips, who scored a 46-ball century against the West Indies in 2020. Furthermore, it stands as the fastest century in T20Is against a full-member nation and is tied for the joint-fastest by any batter from a full-member nation.