A spectacular T20 International unfolded at the University Oval in Dunedin, with New Zealand seizing a decisive series win over Pakistan after a dominating 45-run victory on Wednesday, January 17. The third T20I of the series saw the Kiwis outclass the visitors led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, largely due to an extraordinary ton by opener Finn Allen, which laid the groundwork for their triumph.
The day began favorably for Pakistan as Afridi won the toss and opted to field first—a decision that would soon prove detrimental to his side’s fortunes. New Zealand’s Allen seized the moment and went on a remarkable rampage, compiling a massive 137 runs off a mere 62 balls. The strike force of his bat left the Pakistani bowlers scrambling for answers as he hammered them all around the park.
Finn Allen’s scintillating performance shattered records, projecting him past national icons with ease. He surpassed Corey Anderson’s mark of ten sixes, hitting an unprecedented 16 sixes in a T20I inning for a New Zealand batsman. Additionally, he broke the record for most runs scored in boundaries in a T20I inning for New Zealand, outstripping Brendon McCullum’s previous record of 96 with an astounding 116 runs in boundaries.
The total posted by New Zealand, 224 for 7 in 20 overs, was a formidable challenge. It demanded Pakistan to muster their highest-ever chase in T20 cricket to keep the series alive. However, the guests didn’t quite find their rhythm on the batting-friendly wicket, struggling to form a compelling chase at any point during their innings.
Pakistan’s resistance was primarily put up by former captain Babar Azam, who admirably waged a lone battle scoring his third consecutive half-century in the series. Babar’s 58 runs off 37 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six, shone as a beacon of persistence amidst a tumbling batting lineup.
While Mohammad Nawaz (28 off 15 balls) and Shaheen (16* off 11 balls) provided a late spectacle of fireworks, their efforts turned out to be too modest, and ultimately, a case of “too little, too late.” The Kiwi bowlers and fielders, on point throughout the match, ensured that the visitors were contained, and as a result, the team in black celebrated as they clinched an unassailable lead in the series.
In the T20 format where volatility is common, New Zealand demonstrated a delightful consistency and an aggressive brand of cricket that enthralled the fans. For Pakistan, it served as a tough lesson and a reminder of the importance of both strategic decisions and executing plans against a top-tier opponent.
The series may have been decided, but both teams will aim to finish on a high and carry forward valuable insights and momentum into their forthcoming cricketing endeavors. New Zealand’s exhilarating performance in Dunedin will be remembered as an epitome of the excitement and unpredictability that T20 cricket offers. As for Finn Allen, his name will etch into the books as a testament to the destructive potential a single player can wield on their day, rewriting history and entertaining spectators all around the world.
