Young opener Finn Allen guided New Zealand to a 45-run victory in the third T20I of the five-match series against Pakistan. Finn Allen smashed an astonishing 16 sixes, equaling the world record set by Afghanistan batter Hazratullah Zazai against Ireland in 2019.
The Black Caps posted a formidable total of 224/7 in 20 overs in Dunedin on Wednesday, January 17. Finn Allen scored 137 runs off 62 deliveries, including five boundaries and 16 sixes. In response, the New Zealand bowlers restricted the opposition to a score of 179/7.
Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi opted to bowl first after winning the toss. However, the decision backfired as the Blackcaps showed dominance in the power play. The home team scored 67 runs in the first six overs. Devon Conway scored just seven runs off eight balls.
Finn Allen Breaks Multiple Records During His Knock
Allen and Tim Seifert formed a 125-run partnership for the second wicket. The 24-year-old batsman achieved his second T20I century off 48 deliveries. However, his knock was ended by Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan on the second ball of the 18th over in the match.
Allen surpassed multiple records in his record-breaking knock against Pakistan. He set the record for the most sixes (16) in a T20I innings by a New Zealander batter, surpassing Corey Anderson (10). He also achieved the highest individual score for the Black Caps in T20Is.
The opener broke former skipper Brendon McCullum’s record of 123 runs. He recorded the third-fastest century among New Zealanders in the shorter format. All-rounder Glenn Phillips (46 balls) holds the record for the fastest century by a Kiwi batter in the format.
It’s Supposed To Go Is What I’ve Been Trying To Do – Finn Allen
Finn Allen emphasized his focus on building a strong base and selected shots strategically, choosing bowlers wisely. He stated that he played the ball based on its merit throughout the knock.
“It was good. I just tried to have a solid foundation and play good cricket shots. What I’ve been working on is trying to have a solid foundation, a solid base and trying to build from there and hit the ball where it’s supposed to go,” Allen said.
“It’s about picking my moments when it’s time to go and picking bowlers. I think for me just playing the ball on its merits and were it’s supposed to go is what I’ve been trying to do,” he added.
Allen earned the ‘Player of the Match’ title for his outstanding performance. New Zealand took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series. In the earlier encounters, the Kiwi team secured victories by 46 runs and 21 runs in the first two matches, respectively.
