On Wednesday in Dunedin, opener Finn Allen’s propelled New Zealand to a formidable total of 224-7 in the third Twenty20 International against Pakistan through awe-inspiring power striking. Eighteen sixes comprised an astonishing 137 runs off 62 deliveries for Allen, which tied the world record established by Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan. His barrage surpassed the previous New Zealand Twenty20 International record of 123 set by Brendon McCullum and became the highest men’s Twenty20 international total by a Kiwi.
Fin Allen’s record-breaking knock gives Pakistan a 225-run goal
With a formidable objective of 225, Pakistan knew they had to achieve victory in the crucial match. The stakes were elevated following Devon Conway’s early dismissal for seven runs; however, Tim Seifert and Allen combined for 125 runs in a rapid succession, which propelled New Zealand to a dominant position. Seifert contributed 31 runs in a supporting capacity while deftly rotating the strike to maintain the potent Allen in the vanguard.
Haris Rauf conceded 27 runs in a single over, including three sixes, two fours, and one, as a result of Allen’s assault. A spectacle unfolded at the University Oval in Dunedin when the umpires were compelled to request replacement balls three times due to Allen’s onslaught. Zaman Khan bowled Allen an off-cutter in the eighteenth over, effectively terminating the record-setting innings.
Allen was greeted with acclaim by his opponents as he exited the pitch, signifying their recognition of the outstanding quality of his performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the captain of Pakistan, maintained his choice to field despite having secured the toss for the third consecutive occasion in the series.
Allen, who was enthralled by the contest against Pakistan’s speedster Haris Rauf, acknowledged that the series is currently precarious, as Pakistan must stage an unprecedented comeback in order to remain in contention for the remaining five matches.
