17 January,2024 02:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Finn Allen (Pic: AFP)
On Wednesday, Finn Allen became the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in T20Is. He achieved the feat during the third T20I match between New Zealand and Pakistan. Allen's smashed 137 runs in just 62 deliveries. the right-hander smashed 5 fours and 16 sixes during the knock. In men's cricket, he broke the previous record held by Brendon McCullum's knock of 123 against Bangladesh in Pallekele in 2012.
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Overall, Suzie Bates held the record for most runs scored by a New Zealand cricketer 124' against South Africa in Taunton. Allen's onslaught put doubts in Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi's mind following his decision to field after winning the toss.
The Blackcaps showed their intent in the powerplay and raced to 67/1. Following the early departure of Devon Conway, Allen and Tim Seifert led the charge and stitched up a 125-run partnership.
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On the very first ball of the 18th over, Allen smashed a six taking his side past 200 runs. Pakistan speedster Zaman Khan dismissed Allen on the next delivery which helped his team to control the flow of leaking runs. Shaheen-led Pakistan team conceded just 13 runs in the last two overs.
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New Zealand ended up with a total of 224-7 which saw the likes of Harsi Rauf and Afridi conceding 2/60 and 1/43 respectively.
Mohammad Wasim's spell of 1/35 (4) was the least expensive among the Pakistan bowlers.
After the innings, the Kiwi right-hander talked about the conversations he had with Pakistan skipper and lead pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. He also mentioned about his favourite sixes among those 16 big hits.
"Competitive total for the boys, feels good. Wanted to keep it nice and simple, stay deep in the crease and hit through the line. (On conversation with Shaheen) We had a deal before that he wouldn't bowl me any bumpers, he bowled me a bumper so was just having some banter with him. (Favorite six) One of Rauf over covers," Allen said.
In the end, New Zealand won the match by 45 runs and is leading the five-match T20I series with 3-0 over Pakistan.
(With ANI Inputs)
