Finn Allen powered New Zealand to 224-7 in the third T20I against Pakistan in Dunedin in an electrifying display. Allen’s explosive batting, scoring 137 off 62 balls, featured 16 sixes. Allen’s innings surpassed Brendon McCullum’s 123, setting a new high score for a Kiwi in men’s T20 internationals.
Confronted with a target of 225, Pakistan faced a challenging task. The early loss of Devon Conway added pressure. However, Allen’s 125-run partnership with Tim Seifert solidified New Zealand’s dominance. Seifert’s tactical 31 runs played a crucial supporting role.
Haris Rauf experienced Allen’s prowess firsthand, conceding 27 runs in one over. This spectacular over included three sixes and two fours. The University Oval was a scene of awe as Allen’s performance necessitated three ball replacements.
Allen’s remarkable innings concluded in the 18th over. Zaman Khan’s off-cutter dismissed him, but he left to applause, even from opponents. Pakistan’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, continued his strategy of fielding first. The series remains finely poised, with Pakistan needing a significant chase.
Playing Elevens:
Pakistan’s lineup included Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (capt), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan.
New Zealand fielded Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (capt), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson.
