In a breathtaking display of power hitting, opener Finn Allen lifted New Zealand to a formidable total of 224-7 in the third T20I against Pakistan in Dunedin on Wednesday.
Allen’s record-breaking innings of 137 off just 62 deliveries featured a staggering 16 sixes, equaling the world record set by Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai. His onslaught surpassed Brendon McCullum’s previous New Zealand T20I record of 123 and marked the highest men’s T20 international score by a Kiwi.
Facing a daunting target of 225, Pakistan had their work cut out in the must-win encounter. The early dismissal of Devon Conway for seven raised the stakes, but Allen’s whirlwind partnership of 125 runs with Tim Seifert put New Zealand in a commanding position. Seifert played a supporting role, contributing 31 runs as he cleverly rotated the strike to keep the explosive Allen on the forefront.
Haris Rauf bore the brunt of Allen’s assault, conceding 27 runs in a single over, including three sixes, two fours, and a single. The University Oval in Dunedin witnessed a spectacle as Allen’s onslaught forced the umpires to call for replacement balls thrice.
It was the 18th over when Zaman Khan bowled Allen with an off-cutter, bringing an end to the record-breaking innings. As Allen left the field, he received applause from his opponents, acknowledging the exceptional nature of his performance.
Pakistan’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, persisted with his decision to field after winning the toss for the third consecutive time in the series. While Allen expressed his enjoyment in the battle against Pakistan’s speedster Haris Rauf, the series now hangs in the balance, with Pakistan needing a historic chase to stay alive in the five-match contest.
