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The Night Cricket History Was Rewritten in California
Friday, June 13th, 2025, will forever be etched in cricket folklore as the night Finn Allen turned the Oakland Coliseum into his personal playground. The New Zealand explosive opener didn’t just break records—he obliterated them, delivering the fastest century in Major League Cricket (MLC) history in a breathtaking 34 balls that left spectators gasping and bowlers helpless.
What started as a routine MLC clash between San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom transformed into a masterclass of power hitting that redefined what’s possible in T20 cricket. Allen’s 151 off 51 balls at a staggering strike rate of 296.08 wasn’t just an innings—it was a statement that announced a new era of explosive batting.
The Record-Breaking Rampage: Ball by Ball Destruction
The carnage began innocuously enough. With Tim Seifert (18) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (6) failing to fire, Allen found himself carrying the burden of San Francisco’s innings. But burden quickly became brilliance as the Kiwi southpaw unleashed an assault that would make cricket historians scramble for their record books.
The Opening Salvo
Allen’s first boundary—a cheeky six off Ben Sears in the opening over—was merely an appetizer for the feast that followed. The Washington Freedom bowlers, led by Glenn Maxwell, had no answers as Allen dismantled their attack with surgical precision and brute force.
The Fifty: A Mere Warm-Up (20 Balls)
Reaching fifty in just 20 balls, Allen was only getting started. What followed was a period of sustained violence that saw him club seven sixes in nine balls—a sequence that had commentators running out of superlatives and spectators witnessing cricketing history unfold before their eyes.
The Century: History in 34 Balls
When Allen completed his hundred in just 34 balls, he didn’t just break Nicholas Pooran’s MLC record (40 balls from the 2023 final)—he shattered it. More significantly, he surpassed Martin Guptill’s 35-ball century to become the fastest New Zealand centurion in T20 history.
The 150: Unprecedented Territory (49 Balls)
Not content with one record, Allen continued his onslaught, reaching 150 in just 49 balls total—breaking Dewald Brevis’ previous record for the fastest 150 in T20 cricket. The second fifty came in a mind-boggling 15 balls, showcasing consistency in chaos.
The Statistical Carnage: Numbers That Defy Belief
Allen’s innings wasn’t just about speed—it was about complete domination across every metric that matters in T20 cricket:
| Milestone | Balls Taken | Previous Record | Record Holder |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 runs | 20 | – | – |
| 100 runs | 34 | 40 (MLC), 35 (NZ T20) | N. Pooran, M. Guptill |
| 150 runs | 49 | 50+ | D. Brevis |
| Final Score | 151 off 51 | Any MLC innings | Multiple players |
The Unprecedented Six-Hitting Spree
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping statistic from Allen’s innings was his six-hitting prowess:
- 19 sixes – The most in any T20 innings ever
- 5 fours – Showing he could find boundaries through placement too
- Strike Rate: 296.08 – Nearly three runs per ball faced
Complete Record Breakdown: Allen’s Historic Night
Finn Allen didn’t just break one record—he demolished the record books:
🏆 Major Records Shattered:
- Fastest Century in MLC History – 34 balls (Previous: Nicholas Pooran, 40 balls)
- Highest Individual Score in MLC History – 151 runs
- Fastest Century by a New Zealander in T20s – 34 balls (Previous: Martin Guptill, 35 balls)
- Fastest 150 in T20 Cricket – 49 balls (Previous: Dewald Brevis, 50+ balls)
- Most Sixes in a T20 Innings – 19 sixes (Previous: Multiple players with 17-18)
MLC’s Fastest Centuries Hall of Fame
Allen’s record-breaking knock places him at the pinnacle of MLC’s fastest centuries, but his dominance is clear:
| Rank | Player | Balls | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finn Allen | 34 | Washington Freedom | 2025 |
| 2 | Nicholas Pooran | 40 | Seattle Orcas | 2023 |
| 3 | Heinrich Klaasen | 41 | MI New York | 2023 |
| 4 | Finn Allen | 52 | Texas Super Kings | 2024 |
| 5 | Faf du Plessis | 56 | Washington Freedom | 2024 |
Note: Allen remarkably holds both the fastest (34 balls) and fourth-fastest (52 balls) centuries in MLC history
The Bowling Massacre: Washington’s Nightmare
While Allen deserves all the credit for his phenomenal hitting, the Washington Freedom bowlers endured a nightmare that will haunt them for years. Glenn Maxwell, despite his experience and skill, found himself and his team completely outclassed by Allen’s relentless assault.
The Bowling Figures Tell the Story:
- Total runs conceded to Allen: 151 runs
- Overs bowled to Allen: 8.3 overs
- Average runs per over to Allen: 18+ runs
- Bowling changes made: Multiple, all unsuccessful
The Washington bowlers’ inability to find a line and length that could contain Allen highlighted the difference between good T20 bowling and great T20 batting on its day.
The End of an Era-Defining Innings
All great innings must end, and Allen’s masterpiece concluded when Glenn Phillips held onto a catch at long-on off Mitchell Owen’s bowling. The dismissal brought relief to Washington’s bowlers and disappointment to spectators who were witnessing history unfold.
At 151 off 51 balls, Allen had not only secured his place in cricket history but had also propelled San Francisco Unicorns to a mammoth total of 232 runs in just 17 overs—a score that would prove match-winning.
Impact on T20 Cricket: Redefining Possible
Allen’s record-breaking innings raises profound questions about the evolution of T20 cricket:
Tactical Implications:
- Bowling Strategies: How do you bowl to a batter in this form?
- Field Placements: Traditional field settings proved inadequate
- Psychological Impact: The mental toll on opposition teams
Technical Analysis:
- Shot Selection: Allen’s ability to find boundaries in any area
- Timing vs Power: The perfect combination of both
- Risk Management: Calculated aggression throughout
The New Zealand Connection: Guptill’s Record Broken
The most emotional aspect of Allen’s innings was surpassing Martin Guptill’s 35-ball century record for New Zealand. Guptill, a legend of New Zealand cricket, had held this record as a testament to his explosive batting ability. Allen’s 34-ball century represents a passing of the torch and highlights New Zealand’s continued production of explosive T20 batsmen.
New Zealand’s Fastest T20 Centuries:
- Finn Allen – 34 balls (vs Washington Freedom, MLC 2025)
- Martin Guptill – 35 balls (vs Sri Lanka, 2021)
- Brendon McCullum – 36 balls (vs Australia, 2010)
Global Impact: MLC’s Moment in the Spotlight
Allen’s record-breaking innings has thrust Major League Cricket into the global spotlight, showcasing the tournament’s ability to produce world-class cricket and historic moments. The MLC, now in its third season, has found its defining moment in Allen’s extraordinary display.
Tournament Significance:
- Viewership Spike: Global audience tuned in to witness history
- Media Coverage: International cricket media spotlight
- Player Attraction: Proof that MLC can produce career-defining moments
Technical Masterclass: How Allen Achieved the Impossible
Shot Distribution Analysis:
- Leg Side Dominance: Allen’s strength in pulling and hitting over mid-wicket
- Straight Hitting: Multiple sixes over long-on and long-off
- Innovation: Reverse sweeps and scoops when needed
- Placement: Finding gaps when boundaries weren’t available
Mental Approach:
- Fearless Batting: No shot was off-limits
- Momentum Management: Maintaining aggression throughout
- Pressure Handling: Performing under the weight of expectation
The Opposition’s Perspective: Washington’s Nightmare
For Washington Freedom, Allen’s innings represents every bowler’s worst nightmare come true. Despite having experienced players like Glenn Maxwell leading the attack, they found themselves completely outclassed by Allen’s relentless assault.
Learning Points for Washington:
- Bowling Discipline: The importance of consistent lines and lengths
- Field Positioning: Adapting to extreme aggression
- Mental Resilience: Bouncing back from such domination
The Aftermath: Cricket World Reacts
The cricket world has been unanimous in its praise for Allen’s extraordinary display. Former players, commentators, and fans have all expressed their amazement at witnessing such a complete display of T20 batting.
Social Media Explosion:
- Twitter/X: #FinnAllen and #MLCRecord trending globally
- Instagram: Highlight reels going viral
- YouTube: Match highlights breaking viewership records
Expert Opinions:
Cricket experts worldwide have hailed Allen’s innings as one of the greatest T20 displays ever witnessed, comparing it to the legendary knocks of Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Brendon McCullum.
Looking Forward: What This Means for Allen’s Career
This record-breaking innings has undoubtedly elevated Finn Allen’s profile in world cricket. At just 25 years old, he has announced himself as one of the most dangerous T20 batsmen in the world.
Career Implications:
- IPL Interest: Increased attention from IPL franchises
- International Opportunities: Stronger case for New Zealand selection
- T20 Leagues: Enhanced value in global T20 competitions
- Personal Confidence: The psychological boost of such achievements
Conclusion: A Night Cricket Will Never Forget
Finn Allen’s 34-ball century and 151 off 51 balls will be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in T20 cricket history. Breaking five major records in a single innings, Allen has not only made history but has redefined what’s possible in the shortest format of the game.
From the Oakland Coliseum to cricket grounds worldwide, Allen’s name will be whispered in the same breath as the legends of T20 cricket. His 19 sixes didn’t just clear the boundary ropes—they cleared the barriers of what we thought was possible in cricket.
As the cricket world continues to digest this extraordinary display, one thing is certain: Finn Allen has announced himself as a generational talent, and June 13, 2025, will forever be remembered as the night he rewrote the record books with a performance that transcended sport and entered the realm of legend.
The fastest century in MLC history belongs to Finn Allen, and the cricket world is still trying to catch its breath.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the fastest century in MLC history?
A: Finn Allen holds the record for the fastest century in MLC history, scoring 100 runs in just 34 balls against Washington Freedom on June 13, 2025.
Q: How many sixes did Finn Allen hit in his record innings?
A: Finn Allen hit 19 sixes in his innings of 151 off 51 balls, which is the most sixes ever hit in a single T20 innings.
Q: What was Finn Allen’s strike rate in his record-breaking innings?
A: Allen’s strike rate was 296.08, meaning he scored nearly three runs per ball faced throughout his innings.
Q: Which record did Finn Allen break from Martin Guptill?
A: Allen broke Martin Guptill’s record for the fastest century by a New Zealand batsman in T20 cricket, achieving it in 34 balls compared to Guptill’s 35 balls.
Q: How fast did Finn Allen reach 150 runs?
A: Allen reached 150 runs in 49 balls, breaking Dewald Brevis’ previous record for the fastest 150 in T20 cricket.
Q: What was the previous fastest century record in MLC?
A: The previous record was held by Nicholas Pooran, who scored a century in 40 balls during the MLC 2023 final against Seattle Orcas.
Q: How did Finn Allen’s innings end?
A: Allen was dismissed for 151 when Glenn Phillips caught him at long-on off the bowling of Mitchell Owen.
Q: What total did San Francisco Unicorns reach with Allen’s help?
A: San Francisco Unicorns scored 232 runs in just 17 overs, with Allen’s 151 being the major contribution.
Q: How many fours did Finn Allen hit in his innings?
A: Allen hit 5 fours along with his 19 sixes, showing his ability to find boundaries through both power and placement.
Q: What makes Allen’s century special in cricket history?
A: Allen’s century is special because it combines multiple records: fastest MLC century, most sixes in T20 innings, fastest 150 in T20s, and fastest century by a New Zealander.
