In the third T20 international clash against Pakistan in Dunedin, New Zealand's Finn Allen delivered a stellar performance, equaling a world record by smashing 16 sixes—the highest number in an innings in men's T20I internationals. Allen's extraordinary innings of 137 runs from 62 balls set a new benchmark for the highest score by a New Zealander in a T20 international, surpassing Brendon McCullum's previous record of 123 against Bangladesh in 2012. This achievement also matched Hazratullah Zazai's record.
Allen's onslaught included a particularly aggressive over against Haris Rauf, accumulating 27 runs with three sixes, two fours, and a single. The umpires had to replace the ball three times as Allen consistently sent it out of the ground. After the early dismissal of fellow opener Devon Conway, who fell victim to Haris Rauf after the hosts opted to bat, New Zealand surged to 67/1 in the Powerplay. Despite Rauf taking two wickets, he couldn't contain the onslaught, conceding 60 runs in his four-over spell. The other Pakistani bowlers struggled to curb the Kiwi batsmen, with Mohammad Wasim being the most economical, finishing with figures of 1/35 (4 overs). Zaman Khan, the bowler who eventually dismissed Allen, applauded the batsman as he left the field, acknowledging the remarkable innings that unfolded. Umpires replaced the ball thrice due to Finn Allen's powerful hits sending it out of the ground.