Former RCB batter Finn Allen scored a match-winning century in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 Challenger clash against Texas Super Kings at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas on July 27. But Allen was not happy with his 101-run knock that helped San Francisco Unicorns 200/6 on the board. This was his third T20 hundred but he rated the one in MLC 2024 Challenger as his worst.
“Probably my worst one, not the most fluid innings. I think there was some thinking after the last couple of games, I wanted to give myself more of a chance. The wicket had a bit of variable bounce so I just wanted to stay still and hit through the line. They are quality spinners but I just wanted to play the conditions. The way Noor bowled, he wasn’t getting too much bounce so it was difficult to face him. I think we have a good score,” Allen told the broadcasters during the innings break.
Allen's 53-ball 101 was laced with nine fours and five sixes. He was adjudged ‘Player of the match’ as Texas Super Kings failed to chase down the target despite opener Devon Conway and Joshua Tromp’s unbeaten half-centuries. Super Kings lost the match by 10 runs.
Allen is the third batter to score a century in the ongoing MLC 2024. Before him, Seattle Orcas' Ryan Rickelton and Texas Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis scored a century each.
Allen relieved to be in final
Allen lauded his countryman Conway for his unbeaten 38-ball 62 and was relieved to qualify for the final against Steve Smith's Washington Freedom.
“It was a close one, we knew we're up against the Texas batting line-up, nice to be in the final on Sunday. It was a quality knock from Devon (Conway), he keeps racking up runs in tournament after tournament and it wasn't a surprise to see him score today. I felt you'd get rewarded for good shots, batting across the line was difficult, so I wanted to spend some time and then play my shots, wanted to stick around and play straight. It's going to be a great game (in the finals), 1-1 going into the final, we will freshen up tomorrow ahead of the game,” the 24-year-old batter said in the post-match presentation.
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