T20 World Cup 2026: Cricket world erupts over 'ridiculous' call as New Zealand star creates history

New Zealand have progressed to the T20 World Cup final after a record knock from Finn Allen against South Africa, but cricket fans were fuming over a controversial decision from the third umpire. Allen blasted a 33-ball century to help New Zealand reach another T20 World Cup final in astonishing circumstances.

However, it was Aiden Markram's dismissal in the first innings that angered South African fans. At 2-55, Makram launched the ball to deep long on where Daryl Mitchell took a diving catch in front of his body.

The ball was so close to the ground the third umpire reviewed the decision. However, replays showed the ball may have touched the ground in the act of catching the ball.

While fans debated whether Mitchell got his fingers under the ball before it touched the ground, the third umpire gave it out. Makram had to walk on 18 runs off 20 balls in a huge wicket for New Zealand as they wrestled back momentum.

The opener's wicket was a big blow for South Africa as they stumbled to 8-169. But cricket fans were not thrilled with the third umpire's call. Many felt it was a clear no-catch with some images appearing to show the ball grazing the ground.

Finn Allen creates T20 World Cup history

New Zealand cruised to the total of 169 thanks to Allen blasting a century off just 33 balls. Perth scorchers fans know Allen's abilities well with the New Zealand batter helping them lift the BBL title in 2026. And he replicated his form for his country with Allen scoring the quickest ton in the tournament's history having eclipsed Chris Gayle's previous record by 14 balls.

And the New Zealand hitter made sure to finish the match in emphatic fashion with the batter accelerating his innings with a few overs left. Allen hit 4, 4, 6, 6 when there was 21 runs needed as he blasted Marco Jansen around Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

The sensational knock saw New Zealand reach another T20 World Cup final after losing to England in the 2021 tournament. New Zealand have been sensational with the white-ball in recent years having also made the 2015 and 2019 ODI finals. Unfortunately, they lost both.

But their consistency in the white-ball format has been sensational and they will now face either India or England in the final. South African star Markram was all class after the loss and praised Allen as the difference between the two teams.

"Someone plays an innings like that, don't think you'll come out on the right side of the result many times as the fielding team," South Africa captain Markram said after the defeat. "Massive credit to Finn Allen."

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