Dunedin, New Zealand cricketer Finn Allen stunned the cricketing world with a record-equalling performance in the third T20I against Pakistan, hitting 16 sixes and achieving the highest score by a Kiwi in men’s T20I internationals.
According to International Cricket Council, Allen’s remarkable innings in Dunedin included a total of 137 runs off 62 balls, surpassing Brendon McCullum’s previous New Zealand record of 123 runs. His six-hitting feat equalled Hazratullah Zazai’s record against Ireland in 2019. The young star’s performance propelled New Zealand to a substantial total of 224/7 in 20 overs at the University Oval.
New Zealand’s formidable score was bolstered by Tim Seifert’s contribution of 31 runs, but it was Allen’s explosive batting that dominated the match. Despite an early setback with Devon Conway’s dismissal by Haris Rauf, Allen’s partnership with Seifert quickly accelerated the scoring rate.
Rauf finished with 60 runs against his name despite claiming two wickets, while Mohammad Wasim emerged as the least expensive of the Pakistan bowlers. New Zealand maintained a scoring rate of over ten runs per over for the majority of their innings.
Allen’s departure to Zaman Khan did slow down the run rate slightly, with New Zealand adding just 13 runs in the final two overs. However, Pakistan’s response fell short by 45 runs, ending with 179/7. New Zealand’s bowling was effective, with Tim Southee taking 2/29 and four other bowlers each claiming a wicket. Babar Azam’s half-century for Pakistan was a notable performance but insufficient to chase down the imposing target set by New Zealand.
Finn Allen’s record-breaking innings and New Zealand’s overall performance marked a significant victory and a memorable moment in T20I cricket history.
Rawalpindi, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) successfully concluded a four-day Level 1 coaching course at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, marking a significant step in the development of cricket coaching in the country.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the course, which ran from January 13 to 17, saw the participation of 32 aspiring coaches. The program aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of cricket coaches at the grassroots level, contributing to the broader development of the sport in Pakistan.
The participants of the course included a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds: Afzal Hussain Shah, Ali Sarfraz, Asad Sumairy, Ashfaq Ahmed, Basharat Ali, Bashir Ahmed, Ehtisham Sultan, Faisal Umar Abbasi, Jawad Raza, Kamran Farooq, Lal Zaman, Mohammad Shoaib Khaliq, Mohammad Haris Khan Niazi, Mohammad Naveed-Ur-Rehman Khan, Malik Hasnad Ahmed, Mehtab Tariq Aziz Khan, Moeid Ahmed Shaikh, Mudasser Ali, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Jafar, Naveed Gulzar, Qaisar Abbas Awan, Riaz Ud Din, Sibtain Sarwar Shah, Syed Bilawel Abbas Shah, Syed Jamil Shah Qadri, Umair Ali, Usama Ahmad, Waqas Ahmad, Waseem Haider, and Zeeshan Nadir.
This course in Rawalpindi followed a similar event held at Islamia College in Peshawar, which included 32 participants, among them Test cricketer Fazal-e-Akbar. The PCB’s initiative to spread such courses across different regions demonstrates its commitment to nurturing coaching talent nationwide.
The next Level 1 coaching course is scheduled to take place in Karachi from January 19 to 22, with 33 participants expected to attend. These courses are part of PCB’s ongoing efforts to elevate the standards of cricket coaching in Pakistan and to ensure a steady supply of qualified coaches to support the game at various levels.