Top 5 Highest Scores By New Zealand Batters in T20Is
Allen in action for New Zealand. (X.com)
In a dazzling display of batting prowess, explosive opener Finn Allen recently etched his name in the record books by smashing a scintillating 137 against Pakistan in the 3rd T20I at the University Oval in Dunedin.
Allen seems to have successfully navigated through a challenging phase, where wasn't scoring big runs. Amidst a memorable home series against Pakistan, Allen not only secured 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.
In his relatively brief career, Finn Allen has already notched up two T20I centuries. Alongside Allen, players like Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman have registered hundreds in the format, while Colin Munro boasts multiple centuries (3) in T20Is. In total, a New Zealand batter has reached the milestone of a T20I hundred 12 times. Now, the question arises: who holds the record for the highest individual score in T20Is for the Black Caps? Below, we present the top five highest individual scorers for New Zealand in this context.
5) Glenn Phillips (108 vs West Indies)
Phillips holds the record of the fastest T20I ton by a Kiwi batter. (X.com)
In a commanding performance, Phillips delivered a dazzling innings, scoring a breathtaking 108 from just 51 balls, propelling New Zealand to a convincing 72-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20I at Mount Maunganui. This win also helped the Kiwis secure the three-match series for New Zealand with one match remaining.
Phillips showed his aggressive style, striking eight sixes along with 10 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 Windies' bowling attack left the visitors struggling and succumbing to the mounting pressure.
Throughout the chase, the West Indies never posed a serious threat and eventually folded up for 166 for 9, resulting in a 72-run defeat and conceding the series to New Zealand.
4) Colin Munro (109* vs India)
Munro is the only Kiwi batter with a T20I ton vs India. (X.com)
Once upon a time, Colin Munro held the title of the best T20 batsman for the Kiwis and was also ranked as the number one T20I batsman globally by the ICC. To this day, he remains the sole New Zealand batsman to have registered a T20I century against India.
This historic feat for the southpaw occurred 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 delivered an unbeaten performance, amassing 109* runs from 58 balls, which included 7 boundaries and 7 maximums. Munro's outstanding innings propelled the tourists to a comfortable 40-run victory, with India managing only 156/7 in response to New Zealand's imposing total of 196/2.
For his exceptional performance, Munro was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match.
3) Brendon McCullum (116* vs Australia)
This was McCullum's first ever T20I hundred. (AP)
McCullum stands as the flagbearer of New Zealand cricket, showcasing leadership not only with his captaincy but also guiding his team through his batting prowess. Similar to the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, the Trans-Tasman rivalry holds its own significance, and McCullum has consistently risen to the occasion against the Australians.
In the second T20I of the two-match series between New Zealand and Australia, where Australia had won the first match, Daniel Vettori's side was under pressure to level the series. New Zealand looked to their most explosive batsman, McCullum, to deliver, and he did not disappoint. Facing a formidable Australian bowling lineup featuring Ryan Harris and Shaun Tait, McCullum dismantled them with a breathtaking innings of 116 runs off just 56 deliveries. His remarkable display included 8 sixes and 12 fours.
2) Brendon McCullum (123 vs Bangladesh)
McCullum's best T20I score came against Bangladesh. (X.com)
Unsurprisingly it was McCullum who held the record of the highest individual score by a Kiwi batter in T20I for almost 15 years until Finn Allen surpassed it recently. After opting to bat first, New Zealand suffered an early setback with the wicket of opener Martin Guptill. Coming on to bat in the fourth over, Baz immediately signaled his aggressive intent. Utilizing the remaining powerplay overs, the explosive right-handed batter skillfully located gaps before unleashing a barrage of boundaries and sixes against the spinners.
No Bangladeshi bowler escaped McCullum's onslaught as he struck 11 boundaries and seven maximums during his remarkable innings. McCullum's record-breaking century propelled New Zealand to a commanding total of 191/3 in their innings.
1) Finn Allen (137 vs Pakistan)
Allen went berserk against the Pakistani bowlers. (AP)
Earlier this month, Allen etched his name as the person with the highest individual score for New Zealand in this format, surpassing 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 included five fours and an impressive 16 sixes, boasting a striking rate of 220.97.
Facing the early departure of opening partner Devon Conway, Allen found a steady ally in Tim Seifert. The duo forged a substantial partnership, contributing 125 runs to set a strong foundation for the innings. Allen achieved his century in just 48 balls.
Allen's 48-ball century stands 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.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
