In a dazzling display of power-hitting, New Zealand opener Finn Allen etched his name in the record books by smashing an extraordinary 137 runs off just 62 deliveries in the third T20I against Pakistan in Dunedin on Wednesday. Surpassing Brendon McCullum’s previous record, Allen now holds the title for the highest score by a New Zealander in T20 cricket. Additionally, he equaled the world record for hitting 16 sixes in an innings, a feat previously achieved by Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai. Notably, Allen sent Pakistan’s Haris Rauf for 27 runs in a single over.
Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl first, aiming to halt New Zealand’s momentum in the five-match series. With victories in the first two games by 46 and 21 runs respectively, the Blackcaps were in a strong position to seal the series. Stand-in captain Mitchell Santner expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deliver a high-scoring performance, despite overcast conditions favored by Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Regular captain Kane Williamson, resting for game three, will miss the remainder of the series due to a hamstring injury. Tim Seifert replaced Williamson, while Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson bolstered the bowling lineup. New Zealand, unbeaten in 15 internationals at Dunedin’s University Oval, aims to clinch the series with another victory.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Finn Allen’s explosive innings sets the tone for an exciting contest between the two cricketing powerhouses. Fans eagerly await the outcome as New Zealand looks to maintain its dominance at home.