Ever
heard of ‘Riigikogu’ ?? the unicameral
parliament of Estonia. In addition to approving legislation, the Parliament
appoints high officials, including the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court, and elects the President. Can you identify this good looking
person ?
ICC Men T20 WC 2026 .. .. first Semis over much ahead of time and in a fashion that not many would have guessed. Match did not go down the wire but was over with 43 balls remaining and 9 wickets in hand !! Meek submission !
The first Semis was a good thing that millions watched as the two neutral teams are also by far the most affable teams. Two generally likeable sides who have - somehow - yet to lift an ICC white-ball trophy between them since 2000. Often the much stronger South Africa is pulled down as ‘chokers’ while Kiwis propel in strenuous circumstances.
Not exactly a safe sail as New Zealand's campaign was challenged in multi-facets. They beat Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE through the group stages but lost badly to South Africa and in Super 8 – their first match against Pakistan was a washout; lost to England and had to rely on an external result to qualify. They owe their place in the last four to a commanding win over Sri Lanka, and Srilanka not succumbing meekly to Pakistan. Meanwhile, South Africa had a great ride beating every team and looking menacing !!
BUT today’s match at Eden Garden was a dampsquib. SA managed to set a target of 170 which NZ rolled sure winning by 9 wickets with 43 balls to spare. Before the match none would have guessed the way the match would end and most likely not – the Man of the Match.
The player of the day came to be known well to Indian crowds in Mar 2021, when he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore as Josh Philippe's replacement. Recently, in Dec 2025 IPL mini Auction he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rupees 2 Crores. An Opener who can also keep wickets, a hard hitter of the leather has been a name to have in T2os; he announced his arrival with a bang in 4 overs at SCG in 2022 T20 WC. Then he smashed a 48-ball hundred against Pakistan in Dunedin, with a New Zealand T20I record of 16 sixes.
Finn Allen is
the name, born in Auckland in Apr 1999 he is known for explosive hitting. Today the web is full of searches for - Finnley
Hugh Allen !!
There were enough indicators when Tim Seifert and Allen opened and thrashed making 84 in the power play. In the 6th over, Allen was harsh on Corbin Bosch laundering him for a sequence of 6,4,4,4,4 in a 22-run over. Though Seifert made 50 first, it was Allen on the way.
With such a power hitting, the Black Caps have booked a spot in just their second Twenty20 World Cup final in the most emphatic way, crushing South Africa. Opener Finn Allen smashed 100 from 33 balls in a stunning performance, the fastest century at a T20 World Cup, after putting on 117 for the opening partnership with Tim Seifert (58 from 33) to lead the Black Caps into the final.
South Africa was the strongest team on paper but struggled batting first at 77 for five then recovering through big hitting by Marco Jansen to make 169. Allen brought up his 100 with the winning runs in an innings which included eight sixes and 10 fours - 33 of which coming in the last seven balls. Surprisingly, Canterbury off-spinner Cole McConchie struck twice in the in second over but did not bowl another.
Now New Zealand would wait for the winner of tomorrow’s Semifinals between India and England !
Before concluding
the woman at the start is Kaja Kallas who served as prime minister of Estonia since
2021, becoming the first woman to serve in the role. The current prime minister
is Kristen Michal of the Reform Party.
Though Allen made a fabulous century off mere 33 balls, it is not the
fastest in T201. Surprisingly the record
stands in the name of Sahil Chauhan of Estonia who made a ton off 27 balls
against Cyprus at Episkopi on 17/06/2024
4/3/2026
