Blazing the Trail: New Zealand's Top 5 T20I Batting Feats
Finn Allen made a spectacular mark in the record books by smashing a scintillating 137 against Pakistan in the 3rd T20I at the University Oval in Dunedin, showcasing dazzling batting prowess as an explosive opener.
Allen successfully navigated through a challenging phase of not scoring big runs. During a memorable home series against Pakistan, he not only achieved the distinction of recording the highest T20I score by a New Zealand batter but also shared the record for the most sixes in a T20I innings.
Finn Allen has already achieved two T20I centuries in his relatively brief career. Alongside Allen, players such as Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman have recorded hundreds in the format, and Colin Munro has amassed multiple centuries (3) in T20Is. New Zealand batters have reached the milestone of a T20I hundred 12 times. Now, let's address the question: who holds the record for the highest individual score in T20Is for the Black Caps? Below, we highlight the top five highest individual scorers for New Zealand in this context.
5) Glenn Phillips (108 vs West Indies)
Phillips showcased a commanding performance, delivering a dazzling innings by scoring a breathtaking 108 from just 51 balls. His stellar performance propelled New Zealand to a 72-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20I at Mount Maunganui. This win secured the three-match series for New Zealand with one match remaining.
Displaying his aggressive style, Phillips smashed eight sixes and ten fours, enabling New Zealand to post an imposing total of 238 for 3. The dynamic right-handed batter single-handedly dictated the game's course, seizing control from the moment he stepped onto the field. His relentless dominance over the West Indies' bowling attack left the visitors struggling and succumbing to the mounting pressure.
Throughout the chase, New Zealand faced no serious threat from the West Indies, who eventually folded up for 166 for 9. This resulted in a 72-run defeat, conceding the series to New Zealand.
4) Colin Munro (109* vs India)
Once upon a time, Colin Munro claimed the title of the best T20 batsman for the Kiwis and held the rank of the number one T20I batsman globally by the ICC. He continues to stand as the sole New Zealand batsman who has recorded a T20I century against India.
The southpaw achieved this historic feat in the second T20I of the 2017/18 New Zealand tour of India. Munro played a pivotal role in a predominantly one-man show for the Black Caps, contributing 55.61% of their total runs.
In that match, the New Zealand opener showcased an unbeaten performance, accumulating 109* runs from 58 balls, featuring seven boundaries and 7 maximums. Munro's outstanding innings propelled the tourists to a comfortable 40-run victory, as India could only manage 156/7 in response to New Zealand's imposing total of 196/2.
Munro rightly earned the Player of the Match award for his exceptional performance.
3) Brendon McCullum (116* vs Australia)
As the flagbearer of New Zealand cricket, McCullum demonstrates leadership not only through his captaincy but also by guiding his team with his batting prowess. Like the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, the Trans-Tasman rivalry carries its own significance, and McCullum has consistently stepped up to the occasion against the Australians.
In the second T20I of the two-match series between New Zealand and Australia, with Australia winning the first match, Daniel Vettori's side faced pressure to level the series. New Zealand turned to their most explosive batsman, McCullum, for a stellar performance, and he lived up to the expectations. Against a formidable Australian bowling lineup that included Ryan Harris and Shaun Tait, McCullum dismantled them with a breathtaking innings of 116 runs off just 56 deliveries. His remarkable display comprised 8 sixes and 12 fours.
"Stay on top of the game with our exclusive live cricket score updates, bringing you real-time action and thrilling moments straight to your fingertips! Don't miss a single run – experience the excitement as it unfolds!"
2) Brendon McCullum (123 vs Bangladesh)
Unsurprisingly, McCullum held the record for the highest individual score by a Kiwi batter in T20Is for almost 15 years until Finn Allen recently surpassed it. After choosing to bat first, New Zealand faced an early setback with the dismissal of opener Martin Guptill. Batting in the fourth over, Baz immediately indicated his aggressive intent. During the remaining powerplay overs, the explosive right-handed batter adeptly found gaps before unleashing a barrage of boundaries and sixes against the spinners.
McCullum's onslaught spared no Bangladeshi bowler, as he hammered 11 boundaries and seven maximums during his remarkable innings. His record-breaking century propelled New Zealand to a commanding total of 191/3 in their innings.
1) Finn Allen (137 vs Pakistan)
Earlier this month, Allen secured the title of the person with the highest individual score for New Zealand in this format. He surpassed McCullum's 123 from 58 balls against Bangladesh in 2012 with his phenomenal innings of 137 runs off 62 deliveries. Demonstrating sheer brilliance, Allen's performance featured five fours and an impressive 16 sixes, boasting a striking rate of 220.97.
With the early departure of opening partner Devon Conway, Allen teamed up with Tim Seifert to build a substantial partnership, contributing 125 runs and establishing a strong foundation for the innings. Allen reached his century in just 48 balls.
Allen achieved a 48-ball century, ranking as the third-fastest by a New Zealand batsman, with Glenn Phillips (46 balls vs. WI) and Colin Munro (47 balls vs. WI) holding the top positions.
Conclusion -
In the realm of T20I cricket, New Zealand's top batting feats illuminate a legacy of brilliance. From McCullum's iconic innings to Allen's recent record-breaking century, each performance etches a unique chapter in Kiwi cricket. Turn to the Fast Live Line app and website for real-time updates on thrilling matches. Elevate your cricket experience with features like cricket live line and insights from the live line guru. Stay connected, stay informed, and witness the magic of cricket unfold with Fast Live Line.
