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Finn Allen's Blazing 22-Ball Fifty Powers NZ Despite India's Series Win

Finn Allen blasted a 22-ball fifty, the fastest by a New Zealand batter against India in T20Is, during a mammoth chase of 272 runs. His 38-ball 80, however, came in a losing cause as India secured a 4-1 series victory. India's innings was built on a spectacular 103 from Ishan Kishan and a quickfire 63 from captain Suryakumar Yadav. The New Zealand chase ultimately fell short at 225, with Arshdeep Singh claiming five wickets.

Key Points: Finn Allen Hits Fastest NZ Fifty vs India in T20I Thriller

  • Allen's 22-ball fifty is fastest for NZ vs India
  • Ishan Kishan's 43-ball 103 powered India to 271/5
  • India wins T20I series 4-1
  • Arshdeep Singh took a 5-wicket haul
  • Allen returned after a top BBL season with Perth Scorchers
2 min read

Finn Allen smashes fastest fifty by NZ batter against India in T20Is

Finn Allen smashed a 22-ball fifty, the fastest by a Kiwi vs India in T20Is, but India clinched the series 4-1 with a 271-run total.

"Allen has sent out a warning to the opposition that he is up to chase anything and no one will be left spared."

Thiruvananthapuram, January 31

New Zealand batter Finn Allen impressed in defeat, striking the fastest fifty by a Kiwi batter against India in T20Is during the fifth and final T20I of the series at Thiruvananthapuram.

During a daunting run-chase of 272 runs, Allen took the task head-on, scoring a 22-ball fifty and ending up with a 38-ball 80, with eight fours and six sixes during his knock. His runs came at a strike rate of 210.53.

He is also the fourth player to score a fifty against India in T20Is within the powerplay, alongside Litton Das (56* in 24 balls, 2022 in the T20 World Cup), Cameron Green (52 in 21 balls at Hyderabad 2022), and West Indies' Johnson Charles (51* in 21 balls at Lauderhill in 2016).

The fastest fifty for a Kiwi batter was made by Colin Munro in just 14 balls against Sri Lanka in 2016 and is the joint-fourth-fastest T20I fifty in history.

Making his return to the Kiwi side after a successful Big Bash League (BBL) for Perth Scorchers, during which he contributed a chart-topping 466 runs in 11 matches in their title win at an average of 42.36, a strike rate of 184.18, including a century and two fifties, Allen has sent out a warning to the opposition that he is up to chase anything and no one will be left spared.

In the match, India won the toss and chose to bat first. While Sanju fell to a single-digit score, Abhishek Sharma (30 in 16 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) also fell, leaving India at 48/2. A 137-run stand between Ishan Kishan (103 in 43 balls, with six fours and 10 sixes) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (63 in 30 balls, with four boundaries and six sixes) enthralled the audience. Later on, a cameo from Hardik Pandya (42 in 17 balls, with a four and four sixes) took India to 271/5 in 20 overs.

Lockie Ferguson (2/41) was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, while Jacob Duffy (1/53), Kyle Jamieson (1/59) and Mitchell Santner (1/60) leaked runs.

In the run-chase, after Kiwis lost Tim Seifert early, a century stand between Allen (80 in 38 balls, with eight fours and six sixes) and Rachin Ravindra (30 in 17 balls, with two fours and two sixes) threatened to make India sweat. However, Arshdeep Singh (5/51) and Axar Patel (3/33) ripped apart the Kiwi middle-order and they were skittled out for 225 runs after being 191/9 at one point.

India has won the series 4-1.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Allen's innings was a proper warning shot. He's in devastating form after the BBL. Our bowlers need to analyze his weaknesses before the next encounter. Still, kudos to the Indian team for holding their nerve in a high-scoring thriller! Ishan Kishan's century was pure fire too 🔥
S
Sarah B
Watching from the UK, this was an incredible match! The strike rates are just mind-boggling. 271 is a massive total, and NZ nearly chased it down. T20 cricket at its absolute best. Allen and Kishan were both phenomenal.
V
Vikram M
While Allen's innings was brilliant, our bowling at the death (except Arshdeep) was a bit concerning. Giving away 50+ runs each to Duffy and Jamieson is not ideal. The batting was top-class, but the bowling needs more consistency against such aggressive players.
P
Priya S
So much power-hitting! Allen's sixes were clean. But nothing beats the feeling of seeing India win a series at home. The crowd in Thiruvananthapuram must have had a blast. Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy was spot on when it mattered most. 🏏
K
Karthik V
Allen played a blinder, no doubt. But let's not forget Hardik Pandya's cameo! 42 off 17 balls pushed us past 270. That's the depth we have. A complete team performance despite the early wickets. Jai Hind!

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