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Finn Allen’s Unbeaten Century Stuns Delhi Capitals, Says Boucher

Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Capitals by eight wickets to keep their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive. Finn Allen scored an unbeaten century off 47 balls with 10 sixes and five fours. Mark Boucher praised Allen's power and range, comparing his hitting to batting against a bowling machine. Piyush Chawla noted Allen's effective use of the crease against spin bowling.

Key Points: Finn Allen Century: Boucher Lauds KKR Star’s Power

  • Finn Allen scores maiden IPL century off 47 balls
  • KKR beats DC by eight wickets in IPL 2026
  • Mark Boucher compares Allen's hitting to batting against a bowling machine
  • KKR moves to seventh place after four consecutive wins
2 min read

"There are very few players in world cricket who strike the ball like Finn Allen": Mark Boucher

Mark Boucher and Piyush Chawla praise Finn Allen’s unbeaten 47-ball century as KKR beat DC by eight wickets to keep IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive.

"Once Finn Allen gets past 20 or 30, there are very few players in world cricket who strike the ball with the kind of power he does. - Mark Boucher"

New Delhi, May 9

Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a dominant eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the India Premier League 2026 on Friday. Finn Allen made an unbeaten century to help his team chase down a modest 143-run target at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live', Mark Boucher and Piyush Chawla analysed Finn Allen's unbeaten century.

Former South African cricketer, Boucher lauded Allen's extraordinary century and said, "Once Finn Allen gets past 20 or 30, there are very few players in world cricket who strike the ball with the kind of power he does. What makes him special is not just the strength, but the range and cleanliness of his hitting."

"Whether it was the pick-up shot over fine leg against Mitchell Starc or the straight hits back over the bowler's head, everything looked effortless. Anything in his arc or under his eyeline, he was striking beautifully. At one stage, it almost looked like he was batting against a bowling machine. It was an incredible innings to watch," he added.

It was Allen's maiden IPL century, and he took just 47 balls to reach the milestone with the help of 10 sixes and five fours.

Former India spinner Piyush Chawla also spoke about Allen's knock and his approach against spin.

"This was probably the toughest surface Finn Allen has batted on in the tournament, but what stood out was how well he used the crease. Against anything short, he went deep in the crease, and whenever the ball was in his zone, he capitalised immediately. His reach also allows him to access different areas of the ground comfortably. Having said that, the spinners didn't consistently bowl the right lengths to trouble him and ended up offering too many scoring opportunities. Once a player of his quality gets into rhythm, he becomes extremely difficult to contain, and this innings showed exactly why he's rated so highly in T20 cricket," Chawla said.

With this win, KKR have moved to seventh place on the back of four consecutive wins after starting their campaign by remaining winless in the first six matches. The three-time champions will face the RCB in their next fixture in Raipur on Wednesday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

N
Neha E
Boucher's comparison with a bowling machine is spot on! The way Allen was picking up Starc was something else. But honestly, Delhi's bowling was pretty flat - they didn't have any plan for him after the powerplay.
R
Ravi K
Great knock, no doubt. But let's not get carried away - 143 was always below par on that pitch. KKR's real test will come against RCB in Raipur. Allen needs to replicate this against quality spin in tough chases.
S
Sarah B
That six over fine leg off Starc was just ridiculous! Allen's ability to access different areas of the ground is what sets him apart. KKR fans must be thrilled after that horrific start to the season. 🇮🇳🏏
V
Vikram M
Piyush Chawla made a very valid point - spinners not bowling the right lengths cost Delhi. In Indian conditions, you need to vary your pace and line against someone like Allen. But you have to give credit where it's due - this was a special innings.
J
James A
"Batting against a bowling machine" - poetic description by Boucher! Allen's strike rotation and power-hitting are next level. But I'd like to see how he handles knockout pressure. Still, this KKR comeback has been brilliant to watch.
P
Pooja D
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