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January 17, 2024
Explosive young talent Finn Allen etched his name in the history books with a record-equalling performance in the third T20I against Pakistan in Dunedin. Allen’s thunderous innings of 137 off just 62 deliveries featured a staggering 16 sixes, tying the world record for most sixes in a T20I innings, previously held by Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai. The 23-year-old’s remarkable feat also propelled him to the top of New Zealand’s all-time highest individual scores in men’s T20Is, surpassing Brendon McCullum’s previous record of 123. Additionally, Allen punished Pakistani bowler Haris Rauf, smashing six sixes in just 14 balls faced, contributing to Rauf’s 27-run over.
The 23-year-old’s explosive knock of 137 off just 62 deliveries saw him smash a remarkable 16 sixes, equaling the world record for most sixes in a men’s T20I innings, previously set by Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai in 2019.
Allen’s breathtaking innings not only propelled New Zealand to a commanding total of 224/7 in their 20 overs but also earned him the distinction of scoring the highest individual total by a Kiwi in men’s T20I history, surpassing Brendon McCullum’s previous record of 123. Additionally, he tormented Pakistani bowler Haris Rauf by hitting six sixes in just 14 deliveries faced, contributing to a 27-run over.
New Zealand’s Finn Allen celebrates after reaching 50 during the third T20 cricket international between New Zealand and Pakistan at University Oval in Dunedin on January 17, 2024. – AP
Suzie Bates’ 124 against South Africa in 2020 remains New Zealand’s best individual score in Women’s T20Is. Despite Allen’s dominance, Pakistan managed to limit the hosts to just 13 runs in the final two overs following his dismissal by Zaman Khan for 137.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi might have had second thoughts about his decision to bowl first after New Zealand raced to 67/1 in the Powerplay. Tim Seifert joined forces with Allen following the early departure of Devon Conway, who was dismissed by Haris Rauf. Although Rauf claimed a second wicket (Mark Chapman for 1), he ended up conceding 60 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Wasim’s 1/35 (4) proved to be the most economical bowling effort for Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan fell 45 runs short, finishing with 179/7 in their 20 overs. Tim Southee led New Zealand’s bowling attack with figures of 2/29 (4), while four other bowlers claimed a wicket each. Babar Azam provided some resistance for Pakistan with a quickfire half-century (58 off 37 balls), but it wasn’t enough to prevent the hosts from securing a convincing victory.
Overall, Finn Allen’s scintillating display of power-hitting showcased his immense talent and potential, serving as a testament to New Zealand’s strength in the T20 format. As the Black Caps look to build on their success in the future, Allen’s exceptional performances will undoubtedly be crucial in their pursuit of glory.
Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has made a significant leap in the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, climbing to an impressive equal-eighth position. Following a noteworthy performance against New Zealand, Theekshana now shares the eighth spot with Mohammad Nabi, both boasting a rating of 648. This rapid ascent is a testament to Theekshana’s exceptional talent and consistency on the international cricket stage, further solidifying Sri Lanka’s bowling prowess.
As the latest MRF Tyres ICC ODI Bowling Rankings were updated on Wednesday, several noteworthy changes reflected the performances of international players in recent bilateral series. Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana climbed to equal-eighth, sharing the spot with Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, both with a rating of 648. This follows Theekshana’s impressive 1/15 (5) in Sri Lanka’s convincing eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
In addition to Theekshana’s rise, fellow Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga experienced a significant 28-place jump to enter the top 40, following a remarkable 7/19 (5.5) performance against New Zealand. This ranking resurgence marks Hasaranga’s return to form after missing out on the Cricket World Cup due to injury. His success also translated into a 15-spot leap in the ODI all-rounder rankings, positioning him as Sri Lanka’s highest-ranked player at 17th (187).
Other key moves in the international bowling ranks include New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who moved up eight spots to 18th, and Adam Milne, who advanced 19 positions to 47th. Additionally, newcomer Ben Sears climbed 47 spots to break into the top 100.
Meanwhile, changes in the batting ranks saw India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal make a top-ten climb to sixth place (739) following a rapid-fire 68 from just 34 balls. Among Indian players, only Suryakumar Yadav (869) ranks higher. Ruturaj Gaikwad (661) also secured a top-ten spot, currently sitting at ninth. Furthermore, Shivam Dube’s opportunity to represent India resulted in a notable rise to 58th (472).
While Finn Allen’s record-breaking hundred on Wednesday will only contribute to his rankings next week, his knocks of 34 and 74 propelled him 11 spots to 16th (614). Fakhar Zaman’s strong performance led to a 14-spot leap to 81st, demonstrating the significant shifts in player rankings across numerous international teams.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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