On Wednesday, Finn Allen embarked on a mission with unwavering determination – to launch sixes relentlessly, and he executed it with unparalleled success. The New Zealand opener not only displayed a breathtaking showcase of power-hitting but also equalled the world record for the most sixes in T20Is, a feat previously achieved by Hazratullah Zazai against Ireland four years ago.
In a stunning exhibition of skill, Allen shattered multiple records, propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 224/7 in the third T20I against Pakistan in Dunedin. His remarkable 137 off 62 balls now stands as the highest individual score by a New Zealand batter in this format, surpassing the previous record of 123 set by Brendon McCullum. Allen’s onslaught included 16 sixes, a record-breaking achievement in itself, surpassing the 10-six mark reached by Corey Anderson and Colin Munro in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
This monumental innings marked Allen’s second T20I century, achieved in just 48 balls, making it the third-fastest by a New Zealander in this format. Notably, he showcased no mercy to Haris Rauf, accumulating 27 runs in a single over.
Allen’s whirlwind knock not only secured New Zealand a commanding position in the series but also affirmed their unbeaten record at Dunedin’s University Oval. Despite his dismissal in the 18th over, the impact of his performance reverberated, leaving a lasting impression on the field and in the record books.
