New Delhi: New Zealand opener Finn Allen credited a pre tournament series against India national cricket team for helping his side adapt to challenging conditions after his stunning century guided New Zealand national cricket team into the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Allen delivered a sensational unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls as New Zealand secured a commanding nine wicket victory over South Africa national cricket team in the semifinal at Eden Gardens. His explosive innings, filled with towering sixes and crisp boundaries, helped the team chase down a target of 170 in only 12.5 overs with 43 balls remaining.
The opener praised the bowlers for setting the foundation for the win, saying early wickets and sustained pressure made the task significantly easier for the batters. He noted that the team’s earlier five match series in India on similar black soil pitches played a major role in their preparation for the tournament.
Allen explained that the experience of playing several games on such surfaces helped the team understand the conditions better and adjust their approach. Even though New Zealand lost that series, he said the players gained valuable lessons and confidence from competing in those challenging environments.
Opening alongside Tim Seifert, Allen built a blistering 117 run partnership in under ten overs. Seifert contributed an aggressive 58 off 33 deliveries, striking seven boundaries and two sixes, while Allen dominated the attack with ten fours and eight sixes.
Allen also highlighted how Seifert’s form throughout the tournament has strengthened the team’s batting lineup, adding that batting alongside him makes the job easier when boundaries flow regularly.
New Zealand’s victory was also built on disciplined bowling earlier in the match. Spinners Cole McConchie and Rachin Ravindra played key roles in restricting South Africa to 169 for eight. A late partnership between Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs added some stability after early setbacks.
Reflecting on the win, Allen said the team would enjoy the moment briefly but remain focused on the upcoming final, describing it as a rare and special opportunity for the entire nation to rally behind the side.
