Finn Allen’s Flop After Semi-Final Heroics Sums Up New Zealand’s Night

In the semi-final, Finn Allen had scored a century off 33 balls that had the cricketing world rubbing its eyes in disbelief. In the final, he made nine before departing in the third over. That contrast — between semi-final brilliance and final disappointment — encapsulated New Zealand’s evening as India romped to a 96-run victory to retain the T20 World Cup. Allen’s fall was the symbolic moment when New Zealand’s last hope flickered out.
India had set a target that even the most destructive opener in the world would have struggled with. Their total of 255 was built on Abhishek Sharma’s 18-ball fifty, Sanju Samson’s 89 off 46, and Ishan Kishan’s 54 off 25, with a record-equalling powerplay of 92 for no loss providing the initial momentum. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, both conceded more than 20 runs in their first overs.
When New Zealand batted, Allen’s early dismissal left the top four having contributed just nine runs between them. Tim Seifert’s half-century offered belated respectability, but the asking rate had long since moved beyond realistic territory. Bumrah’s three wickets with slow yorkers were the bowling performance of the match, and probably of the tournament.
India’s victory was sealed when the 96-run gap was confirmed at the fall of New Zealand’s last wicket. Two dropped catches — by Dube and Pandya — extended the innings slightly, but the result was never in genuine doubt. New Zealand’s four World Cup final losses since 2015 have a common theme: finding a team on their best day impossible to overcome.
India, on their best days, are an impossible team to overcome. And this final was very much one of their best days.