In a stunning display of power-hitting, opener Finn Allen notched up a record-breaking 137 runs off 62 deliveries, equalling Hazratullah Zazai’s world record of 16 sixes in an innings. This extraordinary performance set New Zealand on a commanding path, establishing a formidable 225-run target for Pakistan in the third Twenty20 international at Dunedin on Wednesday.
Record-Breaking Onslaught: Finn Allen’s 137 Paves the Way
Finn Allen’s innings, marked by an onslaught of boundaries and a barrage of sixes, etched a new chapter in New Zealand’s T20 international history. Surpassing Brendon McCullum’s previous best of 123, Allen’s whirlwind knock not only set a national record but also matched the global feat of 16 sixes in an innings held by Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan.
Haris Rauf bore the brunt of Allen’s aggression, conceding 27 runs in a single over, including three sixes, two fours, and a single. The ferocity of Allen’s assault prompted the umpires to call for replacement balls three times as he consistently sent missiles soaring out of the ground.
Despite the early dismissal of Devon Conway for seven, Allen joined forces with Tim Seifert to forge a formidable partnership of 125 runs for the second wicket. Seifert’s contribution of 31 runs included smart singles, strategically allowing the hard-hitting Allen to retain the strike.
However, Allen’s spectacular innings came to an end in the 18th over when Zaman Khan bowled him with a cunning off-cutter. Acknowledging the extraordinary feat, Zaman Khan applauded Allen as he departed the field.
With this exceptional performance, New Zealand positioned themselves strongly to clinch the five-match series with two games to spare, while also upholding their unbeaten record at Dunedin’s University Oval.
