Twitter Reactions: Finn Allen shines as New Zealand thrash Scotland in T20I series opener

New Zealand began the tour of Scotland on a strong note as they won the first T20I by 68 runs in Edinburgh on July 27, Wednesday. It was Finn Allen who starred with the bat for the Kiwis with a spectacular hundred, helping them set a commanding total. On the day, the visitors proved to be just too good for the Scots.

Scotland skipper Richie Berrington won the toss and put New Zealand to bat first. The Black Caps were off to a steady start as they scored 48 runs without losing a wicket, in the six-over powerplay. Opener Martin Guptill was dismissed for 40 off 31 balls by Berrington in the ninth over, bringing an end to an 85-run opening stand.

Allen, on the other end, brought up his maiden international century off just 54 balls. He was dismissed two balls later for 101 in the 18th over. The finishing touches were given by Daryl Mitchell, who scored an unbeaten 23 off 13 balls, and James Neesham, with a score of 30 off nine balls. New Zealand finished with 225 for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs.

Spinners take charge in the second innings

The pick of the Scotland bowlers was the left-arm orthodox spinner Mark Watt who conceded only 32 runs in four overs and picked up the prized wicket of Allen. Pacer Chris Sole had a forgettable game as he bowled one of the most expensive spells in T20Is. He got the wicket of Neesham but conceded 72 runs in four overs.

Scotland began the chase, scoring 46 runs in the powerplay. The opening stand added 62 runs on board before they lost the wicket of George Munsey for a run-a-ball 28 in the ninth over. His opening partner Calum Macleod scored 33 off 24 balls. After the openers departed, they lost wickets in regular intervals, and there was no significant contribution from any of the middle-order batters. 

However, Chris Greaves, at number six, scored a valiant 31 off 22 balls. But it proved to be too little too late for the hosts. They managed to put up only 157 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi starred with the ball, bagging four wickets for 28 runs, and his spin partner Mitchell Santner scalped two wickets for 23 runs. The second T20I will be held in the same venue on Friday.

Meanwhile, here’s how Twitter reacted to New Zealand’s triumph: 

Finn Allen brought up his maiden T20I ton, against Scotland in the series opener at the Grange Club yesterday. 💯 🔝

The first of many to come, @FinnAllen32! 🥳#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #NZvSCO pic.twitter.com/ySKa8KNPKT

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) July 28, 2022

Century for Finn Allen with 184+ strike rate including 7 fours and 6 sixes … Just brute power atleast would have hit 2 or 3 sixes beyond 90 meters sixes … guy fixed for a six against spinner… just unreal power .

— Sai (@akakrcb6) July 27, 2022

Finn Allen scored his maiden T20i hundred – 101 (56) with 8 fours and 6 sixes against Scotland in the first T20i. A brilliant innings by Allen! pic.twitter.com/qNOX5lrJMV

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 27, 2022

Excellent display today. Finn Allen's maiden T20I hundred was the highlight for me – hope he continues utilizing his chances, I feel his intent can address our powerplays long-term

Solid collective bowling display too – led well by skipper Mitch Santner, most economical for 2/23 pic.twitter.com/HFh2etceFt

— Sivy Kanefied 🇳🇿 (@Sivy_KW578) July 27, 2022

Finn Allen in T20I Internationals – 10 innings, 307 runs, 30.70 average, 178.49 strike rate.

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) July 27, 2022

Finn Allen has become the first player to score a T20 hundred in Scotland.

The previous highest score was 89* by Sarfaraz Ahmed in 2018.#SCOvNZ

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) July 27, 2022

A maiden T20I hundred for Finn Allen in Edinburgh 💯

Watch the #SCOvNZ T20I LIVE on https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions) 📺 | 📝 Scorecard: https://t.co/n6L6sqHEOw pic.twitter.com/CSoY8LAhSu

— ICC (@ICC) July 27, 2022

Today is the first time when 3 or more T20I centuries were registered on the same day.

Finn Allen (101) for New Zealand🇳🇿
Faheem Nazir (107*) for Switzerland🇨🇭
Gustav Mckeon (101) for France🇫🇷

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) July 27, 2022

Finn Allen was adjudged the player of the match for his outstanding maiden T20I century.#SCOvNZ #FinnAllen #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/OLguq1VkfJ

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 27, 2022

Finn Allen has a maiden T20I hundred 💥

The guy has a T20 career strike-rate of 175+ after 60+ matches. In 2022 alone, his SR is 185+

RCB wasting him on the bench 😭 Unleash somehow or release 😭#SCOvNZ

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) July 27, 2022