New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20: Finn Allen smashes record-equalling 16 sixes, umpires replace ball thrice

In the third T20 international match against Pakistan in Dunedin, New Zealand opener Finn Allen delivered an outstanding performance, equalling a world record by smashing 16 sixes—the highest number in an innings in men's T20I internationals. His remarkable innings of 137 runs from 62 balls set a new record for the highest score by a New Zealander in a T20 international, surpassing Brendon McCullum's previous record of 123 against Bangladesh in 2012. This feat also matched Hazratullah Zazai's record for the most sixes in a T20I innings, achieved against Ireland in February 2019.

New Zealand, buoyed by Allen's explosive performance, posted a formidable total of 224/7 in 20 overs. Tim Seifert's contribution of 31 runs (23 balls) was the second-highest in a lineup dominated by Allen's brilliance. New Zealand won by 45 runs as Pakistan could manage 179/7 in their allotted 20 overs, with Babar Azam top scoring for 58.

Haris Rauf hit for 27 in a over

Allen's onslaught included a particularly aggressive over against Haris Rauf, where he amassed 27 runs with three sixes, two fours, and a single. The umpires had to replace the ball three times as Allen consistently sent it out of the ground. Zaman Khan, who eventually dismissed Allen, applauded the batsman as he left the field, acknowledging the remarkable innings that had unfolded. Umpires replaced the ball thrice as Finn Allen's powerful hits sent it out of the ground.


Despite the early departure of fellow opener Devon Conway, who fell victim to Haris Rauf after the hosts chose to bat, New Zealand accelerated to 67/1 in the Powerplay. Rauf, despite taking two wickets, couldn't contain the onslaught, conceding 60 runs in his spell of four overs. The other Pakistani bowlers struggled to stifle the Kiwi batsmen, with Mohammad Wasim being the most economical, finishing with figures of 1/35 (4 overs).

Finn Allen's remarkable innings propelled New Zealand past the 200-run mark, and even though he was dismissed by Zaman Khan in the 18th over. New Zealand are up 3-0 against Pakistan in the series.

Pakistan struggled in their chase, reaching 95/2 in the 11th over but later lost four wickets for just 39 runs. Babar Azam top-scored with 58 off 37 balls, and Mohammad Nawaz contributed 28 off 15. The series continues in Christchurch on Friday and Sunday.