Opener Finn Allen’s record-breaking century in Wednesday’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa showcased why he is widely considered one of the hardest hitters in New Zealand cricket. His 33-ball, nine sixes and ten fours obliterated Chris Gayle’s previous world-record 47-ball hundred from 2016. Allen’s extraordinary performance propelled New Zealand to a historic chase of 170 runs with just over a dozen overs remaining.
Now, Allen and his team stand one more win away from claiming the nation’s first T20 World Cup title. Their chances are heightened given their recent form and the fact that they’re unbeaten in five matches this tournament.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan spoke on cricbuzz.com, recalling how Matthew Hayden once intimidated bowlers with his imposing presence and bold shots. “Matthew Hayden back in the day, he was big — he intimidated bowlers by just his stance,” Vaughan noted. “Finn Allen does that too. He is muscular with tattoos; it’s all there to see when you’re facing him, and it makes you think: ‘Oh God! Brutal.”
“He could go on to win another World Cup final,” Vaughan added, echoing the belief that Allen can be a key factor in their success.
Despite being one of cricket’s underdogs since his debut in March 2021, New Zealand’s journey took an unexpected turn when they edged into the semi-finals via net run rate. The team now faces defending champions India at Ahmedabad Stadium on Sunday.
Allen himself emphasized how far he has come from those early days. His 62-ball ton against Pakistan earlier this year and his third T20 international century in just 61 matches have established him as one of the most fearsome batters in the game.
New Zealand’s fanbase, numbering around five million across the South Pacific island nation, is ready to support their team. “I think as a nation, everyone gets behind us and rallies around us for Sunday,” Allen expressed. “Hopefully they can get up and have a Monday off at work and watch the final.”
The tournament’s global reach will be on full display too: nearly one billion Indians are set to watch from home while others gather in stadiums across the country.
Allen is confident his team can perform their best under these conditions, saying, “I think if we play our best cricket, we can beat anybody.”