In an extraordinary display of power hitting, Finn Allen of New Zealand etched his name in the cricket record books with a spectacular 137-run knock off just 62 balls in the third T20I against Pakistan. This outstanding performance steered New Zealand to a convincing 45-run victory, securing a 3-0 series lead in the five-match series. Allen's innings was marked by a staggering 16 sixes, equaling the world record for the most sixes in a T20I innings set by Afghanistan's Hazratullah Zazai against Ireland in 2019.
Watch all 16 of Finn Allen's sixes here:
Allen's historic feat also surpassed Brendon McCullum's highest score for a New Zealander in T20Is of 123 runs, which was made against Bangladesh in 2012. The magnitude of Allen's six-hitting prowess was highlighted by two of his sixes traveling over 100 meters, including one that soared over the adjacent rugby ground's crossbar and uprights. In several instances, the balls hit by Allen were lost, necessitating replacements.
Allen's onslaught began in the third over, delivered by Shaheen Afridi, where he smashed back-to-back sixes. His aggressive approach continued, especially against Haris Rauf, who, after a tight first over, conceded a whopping 51 runs in his next two overs. Allen's dominance was evident in the sixth over, where he hit a sequence of 6,4,4,6,6, and 1, taking New Zealand to 67-1 at the end of the powerplay.
Reaching his half-century in just 26 balls, Allen's innings was laced with three fours and an incredible five sixes, one of which was a monstrous 107-meter hit off Nawaz. At the halfway mark of their innings, New Zealand was comfortably placed at 103-1.
Allen's second T20I century was reached in 48 balls, featuring a total of 11 sixes. He built a crucial 125-run partnership with Tim Seifert, who contributed a valuable 31 runs from 23 balls for the second wicket.
Allen's remarkable innings eventually concluded in the 18th over, but not before he had propelled New Zealand to a strong position of 203-4. His performance will be remembered as one of the most explosive in T20I history, illustrating his exceptional hitting ability and setting a high bar for power hitting in the format.
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