Finn Allen produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten century to guide Kolkata Knight Riders to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in the IPL on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 143 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kolkata cruised to victory with 28 balls remaining, thanks largely to Allen’s devastating knock of 100 not out off just 47 deliveries.
Needing only two runs for victory and six more for his century, the New Zealand batter fittingly reached the milestone with a towering six over deep midwicket off Mukesh Kumar.
Allen’s innings included 10 sixes and five fours, marking his maiden IPL century and the seventh T20 hundred of his career.
It was also his third T20 century of the year, having previously scored hundreds in the Big Bash League and the T20 World Cup. In doing so, he became the first New Zealand batter to score three T20 centuries in a single calendar year.
The innings also placed Allen in Kolkata Knight Riders history. He registered the fastest century for the franchise, reaching the landmark in just 47 balls and surpassing previous records held by Brendon McCullum (53 balls), Venkatesh Iyer and Sunil Narine (49 balls each).
Allen was particularly ruthless against Delhi’s spinners, scoring 73 runs from just 31 balls against them. He dismantled the bowling attack with a series of massive sixes off Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam, turning the chase into a one-sided contest.
There had been concerns over Allen’s form earlier in the season after he was dismissed inside the powerplay in each of his previous six innings. However, the Kiwi batter silenced critics emphatically after coming in as an impact player against Delhi.
Allen, who was previously with Royal Challengers Bengaluru but did not get an opportunity to play, delivered a statement performance in Kolkata colours and emerged as the undisputed hero of the match.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
