F Allen NZ cricket: RCB batsman smashes maiden T20I half-century off 18 balls vs Bangladesh in Auckland

F Allen NZ cricket: The Kiwi opening batsman showcased his talent at the highest level in the third T20I at the Eden Park.

During the third T20I of the ongoing Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand in Auckland, New Zealand opening batsman Finn Allen smashed a quickfire maiden T20I half-century to justify his selection at the highest level.

Opening the batting with Martin Guptill (44) in a 10-over contest, Allen scored a whirlwind 71 (29) comprising of 10 fours and three sixes to power New Zealand to 141/4.

After stand-in Bangladesh captain Liton Das won the toss and invited the hosts in to bat, Allen put together an 85-run opening stand as he showcased first signs of attack against Bangladesh spinner Nasum Ahmed hitting him for three fours and a six in the third over.

In the following over, Allen scored a couple of boundaries off Shoriful Islam as the hosts continue to accumulate quick runs even after the culmination of a three-over powerplay.

ALSO WATCH: Finn Allen reverse sweeps Nasum Ahmed to score first T20I runs

Allen, who welcomed Rubel Hossain into the attack by hitting a four and a six in the fifth over, hit another boundary against the same bowler’s second over to bring up an 18-ball half-century.

Allen, who then hit a four and a six off Bangladesh all-rounder Mahedi Hasan in the eighth over, was eventually dismissed in his attempt of scooping Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed in the last over.

It is worth mentioning that Allen has been roped in by Royal Challengers Bangalore as Australia wicket-keeper batsman Josh Philippe’s replacement for IPL 2021. At RCB, Allen will share the dressing room with the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell.

F Allen NZ cricket

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